By Lucky Vince Pienaar
It’s the moment of truth for the Blitzboks this weekend.
Getting to the Olympics has been a rocky ride for South Africa’s sevens outfit. Left to fend for themselves, they have staggered from one setback to another, including poor performances in the HSBC tournaments and losing to Kenya in the Africa Olympic qualifiers.
But they are in Paris.
Having won the tournament in Monte Carlo, they have slipped in through the back door with a shot at Olympic gold. From now until the final on Saturday afternoon, they will have to produce the best rugby they have played since they dropped the ball and a possible gold medal against Argentina at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
The South African rugby authorities have ignored the Blitzboks’ decline since Neil Powell left them virtually rudderless in 2022 to join the Sharks. First, Sandile Ngcobo and then Phillip Snyman took over the coaching roles and put up a brave battle, but they have been outmuscled in tournament after tournament.
To this day, on the eve of the Paris Olympics 2024, they have been left out in the wilderness while the magnificent resources and manpower of South African rugby have been focused on the fifteen-a-side game.
How much Rassie Erasmus, then director of rugby, should take responsibility for that is a discussion for another day.
As fate would have it, South Africa has an uphill battle, starting with the pool stages.
Their first two challenges are against Ireland on Wednesday afternoon and New Zealand in the evening. On Thursday, they have an easier match against Japan.
If there is ever truth in the saying that “to be the best, you have to beat the best,” this is it.
Stay in the fight, Blitzboks. As always, loyal fans will watch, hope for, and cheer on the squad and the seven players on the field, willing them to turn the tables on the favourites.
Blitzboks vs Ireland, Wednesday 5.30pm
Blitzboks vs New Zealand, Wednesday 9.30pm
Blitzboks vs Japan, Thursday 6pm
All the sevens matches will be broadcast live on DStv channel 205.
Pictured above: The Blitzboks.
Source: Blitzboks/X
