VIDEO: The tough conversations that turned BlunderBoks into BlitzBoks
South African coach Philip Snyman said some ‘tough conversations’ took place in the team’s “inner circle” before they disposed of New Zealand in the Olympic Sevens quarterfinal.
They will now face hosts France in the semifinal on Saturday.
The BlitzBoks – a blundering, error-prone team – turned their game around and beat Japan by 49-5 on Thursday.
They had to win by 21 points or more to sneak into the play-offs.
Hours later they showed sheer determination to eliminate New Zealand with a 14-7 victory – at the same venue, Stade de France, where they won the XV-a-side World Cup eight months earlier.
“They deserve to be in the semifinals,” Snyman said in his post-match reaction, adding: “They have executed and delivered everything I have asked from them today [Thursday].
“We did not play poorly on Day One [Wednesday].
“We just could not get our hands on the ball.
“However, today [Thursday] was a different, inspiring performance.
“We needed to win big against Japan and scored seven well-worked tries.
“Against New Zealand, our defence was going to be crucial and I am so proud of how the guys responded.”
Snyman said he had a good feeling about the ability of the players selected to travel to the world showpiece.
“Once we made it into the quarters, I told them: ‘Gents, it is time to start believing’,” the coach said.
“I had a good feeling about the side’s ability, 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.
“We left another try or two out there.
“These guys deserve to contest for a medal, they showed that tonight [Thursday evening].”
He added that the turnaround started on Wednesday night, following a disappointing Day One.
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What a day to be a #Blitzboks supporter. #ICYMI the last couple of minutes of a Thursday night at Stade de France.@Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/oLrLCNpkZ6
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) July 25, 2024
“There were some tough conversations inside the circle [team].
“The players managed to turn it around.
“The guys put Wednesday behind them and they came out and put up a great performance.
“I don’t have words to describe how proud I am of the players.”
