Blitzboks 'deserve to be in the semi-finals'

Springbok Sevens interim head coach Philip Snyman has lauded his team following their dramatic victory over New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

This win advances South Africa to the semi-finals, where they will compete for a medal against France at 15:30 on Saturday.

The team secured their playoff spot with a 49-5 win against Japan, meeting the required margin of 21 points needed after losses to Ireland and New Zealand in the pool stages.

Despite a losing to New Zealand the previous day, they went on to pull off a 14-7 in a brutally tough quarter-final at the Stade de France.

“They deserve to be in the semi-finals, as they have executed and delivered everything I have asked from them today,” Snyman said after the match.

“We did not play poorly on day one, we just could not get our hands on the ball, but today was a different performance, a really inspiring one.

“We needed to win big against Japan and scored seven well-worked tries, but against New Zealand, our defence was going to be crucial and I am so proud of how the guys responded.”

Snyman told his charges to believe in themselves despite a poor showing in the pool stage.

“Once we made it into the quarters, I told them to start believing that it is possible,” said Snyman.

“I had a good feeling about the ability of the side, so once we were into the last eight, it was time to remind them of that.

“This was such a great win, built on defence and workrate, while we struck when we needed to. In fact, we left another try or two out there. These guys deserve to contest for a medal, they showed that tonight.”

The semi-finals, which will see the Blitzboks play France, take place on Saturday at 2.30pm BST. Two-time defending men’s Olympic gold medallists Fiji will play Australia in the other semi-final.