By Lucky Vince Pienaar
➤ Minutes before the match. France ended the Blitzboks’ dream of a gold medal with a devastating last two minutes. Now the Blitzboks have to regroup and put together one more supreme performance to win the bronze medal.
They have already played out of their boots to get where they are since they sneaked in through the back door to get into the Games. But now they need their best game yet when they face Australia, to bring a medal home for South Africa.
It may not be the gold medal, but don’t think the Blitzboks have come this far to simply give up on the bronze medal. But rest assured, Australia feels the same.
➤ South Africa versus Australia. As in their match against France, the Blitzboks remain on the attack for the first three minutes. While they come close, they can’t get over the advantage line.
The first time Australia get clear possession they use it to strike from in front of their posts for Nathan Lawson to score. (Blitz 0-7 Aus)
Seconds later Selvyn Davids score his best try of the tournament after chipping ahead. (Blitz 5-7 Aus)
It’s halftime. Seven minutes of their best rugby will give the Blitzboks and South Africa an Olympic medal.
Australia suffer a double blow when Zain Davids scores a good try and Nick Malouf gets red-carded for a high tackle. (Blitz 12-7 Aus)
Zain Davids gets his second and it looks like medal-time for the Blitzboks. (Blitz 19-7 Aus)
But it’s not over yet! Corey Toole scores a beautiful solo try. (Blitz 19-14 Aus)
And immediately Australia, with six men go over through Henry Paterson for the equaliser (Blitz 19-19 Aus)
Time’s up! Shaun Williams scores. (Blitz 26-19 Aus)
Philip Snyman is in tears. The players are in tears. The South Africans at home who care will also wipe away a tear. An Olympic medal for South Africa in the bag.
Blitzboks (4 tries) 26-19 (3 tries) Australia
Pictured above: Blitzboks
Source: X
