Monaco day two: BlitzBoks through to quarters

NEWS: The BlitzBoks are through to the World Rugby Repechage tournament quarterfinal after a successful day two in Monaco.

Victories over Tonga (31-7) and Chile (26-7) after their 44-0 win over Mexico on Friday saw the BlitzBoks top Pool A and set up a quarterfinal clash against fellow African side – Uganda at 11.31 on Sunday.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Coach Philip Snyman was pleased with his side’s efforts, stating that the first hurdle was crossed.

“We needed to top the pool and to do so, we needed to play three good matches on the trot,” said Snyman.

“I think we did that over the last two days, and although it was not perfect, the first objective was reached.”

Philip Snyman is no stranger to their quarterfinal opponents – Uganda, who he previously coached as well.

“They are skillful athletes and a country with a proud Olympic heritage, so need no motivation for this game,” Snyman said.

“For us the challenge will be to continue the momentum picked up over the first two days because tomorrow is when it really matters.”

The opening day two clash against Tonga was as physical as expected.

The Blitzboks, however countered the Tongan’s physicality with skills and pace.

Quewin Nortje bossed the first half with a brace with Shilton van Wyk also getting over the line to secure a 24-0 lead at half-time.

They kept the intensity in the second half and only conceded one try to earn a well deserved 31-7 win.

The clash against Chile was a bit tighter and needed more patience to break their opponents down.

It was a great start again with Tristian Leyds dotting down to get his side on the board thanks to a clever grubber kick by captain and playmaker Selvyn Davids.

Leyds converted his own try to open up a 7-0 lead.

Shilton van Wyk also got on the scoresheet as the hooter sounded for half-time after a brilliant offload by Leyds – who went on to convert the try for a 14-0 lead at half-time.

Chile managed to get over the line with a try with two minutes to go bringing the score back to 19-7 but the Blitzboks quickly responded as Oosthuizen’s try which was converted by Shaun Williams erased any doubt to clinch victory.

Monaco Day two results:

Men: 

Hong Kong China 36-0 Brazil
Canada 33-14 China
Great Britain 29-5 Uganda
Chile 35-10 Mexico
South Africa 31-7 Tonga
Spain 35-14 Hong Kong China
Uganda 33-15 China
Tonga 26-5 Mexico
Great Britain 17-12 Canada
South Africa 26-7 Chile

Women:

Poland 60-0 Mexico
China 41-5 Czech Republic
Hong Kong China 22-12 Jamaica
Uganda 24-0 Paraguay
Kenya 31-5 Samoa
Czech Republic 45-0 Mexico
China 26-0 Poland
Paraguay 36-21 Jamaica
Uganda 17-14 Hong Kong China
Argentina 17-19 Kenya

Quarterfinals: Sunday, June 23
(Kick-off is local time – GMT plus two hours)

Men:

South Africa v Uganda – 11.31
Great Britain v Tonga – 11.55
Spain v Hong Kong China – 12.19
Canada v Chile – 12.43

Women:

China v Paraguay – 9.30
Uganda v Czech Republic – 9.54
Kenya v Argentina – 10:18
Poland v Hong Kong China – 10.42