'We can create a shock or two'

SPOTLIGHT: Head coach Renfred Dazel believes the South African Women’s Sevens team has what it takes to cause a few shocks in the Sevens tournament at the Olympic Games.

The inspiration of the occasion, the opportunity to be part of history and a chance to inspire others are all driving forces for Dazel’s team.

Dazel spoke on the eve of the Sevens Women’s tournament at the Stade de France on Sunday in what will be their first participation in the Olympic Games.

The squad prepared well and were reminded by their male counterparts that no opponent is unbeatable, Dazel said.

“We come well prepared, mentally and physically,” said Dazel, who was assistant coach to the BlitzBok squad that won the bronze medal in Rio in 2016.

“We had some good sessions last week in Montpellier and once we arrived in Paris, the energy levels stayed up.

“The BlitzBoks’ performance in that quarterfinal against New Zealand was hugely inspiring to all of us. We celebrated that as a team and realised that we can also deliver exceptional performances and looking at our pool, create a shock or two.”

The South Africans face Australia, Ireland and Great Britain in their pool and Dazel feels comfortable about their pool prospects.

“We have played against all of them during the SVNS series and had our moments,” he said. “We actually beat Great Britain in Perth, so we feel that we can make history and win our first match ever at the Olympics.”

The coach reflected on the history part of their first Olympics: “Yes we will be the first Springbok Women’s Sevens team to play here and previous squads who qualified, did not get that opportunity.

“We are mindful of that and will play for those denied as well. Ultimately, we want to make South Africa and our system proud and show a pathway for future rugby athletes,” Dazel added.

Springbok Women’s Sevens pool fixtures (local time):

Sunday, July 28:
16.00: Australia
19.00: Ireland

Monday, July 29:
14.00: Great Britain

The SA Women’s Sevens squad for Paris 2024:  Mathrin Simmers, Zintle Mpupha, Sizophila Solontsi, Veroeshka Grain, Kemisetso Baloyi, Nadine Roos, Liske Lategan, Byrhandre Dolf, Ayanda Malinga, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Marlize de Bruin, Maria Tshiremba, Shona-Leah Weston (travelling reserve), Shiniqwa Lamprecht (travelling reserve).