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‘Try and keep up with them’: Springboks’ legacy inspires Blitzboks’ SVNS quest

Selvyn David in action during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 match between South Africa and Spain at Estadio de La Cartuja on January 29, 2022 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

If this year’s World Cup taught everyone anything it’s that rugby is more than just a sport. South Africa rode the highs and lows of the sport’s showpiece event along with their heroes, who went on to claim rugby’s ultimate prize.

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The Springboks captured the hearts, minds and souls of their nation during an inspirational run to World Cup glory in France. Led by captain Siya Kolisi, the Boks brought South Africa “back together” by retaining the Well Ellis Cup.

Written off by some ahead of a crunch clash with hosts France in the quarters, the Boks defied expectation and pressure by winning three knockout Tests by just one point. Those heroics will echo throughout history.

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The significance of that moment was clear for all to see as the world champions returned home to South Africa for their World Cup parade. South Africa was in awe.

But it’s also set the bar high for other South African rugby teams. The opportunity to push for more prestigious rugby honours awaits ahead of a revamped SVNS Series.

With a rugby-mad nation hopeful of more silverware before the end of the year, men’s captain Selvyn Davids said the Blitzboks need to “try and keep up” with the Springboks.

“For them to get the nation back together and put South African rugby on the map again is great and we just need to step up and try and keep up with them,” Davids said in a World Rugby statement.

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The Blitzboks were a shadow of their former selves last season. After claiming World Series glory in a short 2021 season, South Africa fell to a disappointing seventh-place finish in 2022/23.

But amongst all of the frustration, the Blitzboks did win one Cup final and it’s a good omen for this weekend. South Africa beat Samoa, New Zealand and Ireland on the road to glory in Dubai.

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Dubai’s The Sevens Stadium will host the opening leg of a new-look SVNS season this weekend, with the men’s and women’s campaigns set to run alongside one another for the first time ever.

“The first tournament of the new season is always exciting. I’ve been out for a while so to be back on the pitch is going to be great and I’m really looking forward to it,” Davids added.

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“With only 12 teams on the circuit now it is going to be even tougher and every game is going to be crucial. Dubai is always a big tournament.

“We had some tough times last year but we’ve talked about it, put it in the past and we’re here for business and we want to play our best rugby.”

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1 Comment
J
Jon 575 days ago

Blitzboks were injured and awful last yr - hope this is a better year for them

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Over the sideline 55 minutes ago
Can the All Blacks regain their aura and maintain their winning legacy?

Mate thats a bit of a rant. The problem is Fraudulent Jacko that all you do is get angry and all emotional. Perhaps take that therapist booking and help yourself. Nick Bishop also believes Super Rugby is considerably less in quality than all the UK comps so whilst I’m happy to acknowledge NB as a rugby specialist, and I do enjoy many of his incites, that does not mean I will just accept everything he says as gospel. Perhaps you need to develop a thought of your own. Give it your best.

YepI’ve stated a number times that Mounga was in the team or the year in 2023. Not sure what your problem is with that. You claim that as some form of proof of greatness yet you refuse to acknowledge that is would also prove the greatness of Dmac but you refuse to see that. So perhaps take your own advice. Nothing more nothing less.

I love the Saders. Best club team in the world and a proud NZ franchise and I cannot wait for the World Club championship. Ive stated that plenty of times but yet again you don’t think logical when you lose it like you did above. McCaw, Carter, are my all time favourite rugby players.

I have an idea Jacko….. instead of telling me how bad a judge of rugby players I am why don’t you try showing me all Moungas successes at test rugby! Show me the stats of such a champion. Prove me wrong that he lost two workd cups, prove me wrong that he was the 10 for the whole 72% era. Basically show me his great triumphs as a test player. You can’t so all you will do is rave about his SR achievements which not one person in the world disagrees with.

As for your silly comment around “using my logic" well its the exact opposite and I do tell you but again it just goes straight over the top. MY SIMPLE LOGIC IS THAT GREAT PLAYERS DONT ALWAYS WIN TITLES. Nonu and Smith… NZs greatest centre paring, never won a title Jacko. Do you think they didn’t deserve their ABs places?

So why do you constantly change your name? Then back to Fraudulent again? Is your self-esteem ok? Seems low. Perhaps start with a view of your own on some things instead of just following blindly along with rugby journalists who have there own thoughts and biases.

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