SA Rugby
The Blitzboks have another shot at qualification for the Paris Olympics if they win the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco this weekend.
SA Rugby said victory at Stade Louis II means them joining the Rugby Sevens event at the 2024 Paris Olympics and according to Head Coach Philip Snyman, that is exactly what they plan to do.
He described it as ‘their most important tournament in the last two years’.
Snyman took over the coaching role halfway through a dismal HSBC SVNS season and although it was too late to steer the team to qualification courtesy of a top-four SVNS log position (like the previous two Olympics), they do however have one more opportunity to do so.
“We are facing some really good teams this weekend, but we are also playing ourselves and I believe that our lead-up preparation has settled the mindset,” said Snyman, who took over the coaching role halfway through a dismal season and when it was too late to qualify.
“We worked hard, especially on defence, and I have faith and confidence in the team that we selected for this massive task. A spot at the Olympics will give the season so much meaning,” he said.
For the Olympian bronze medalist, the lure of Paris is huge, but Snyman said he was not looking past Mexico which is the first hurdle to overcome on Friday afternoon.
They then face Tonga (13:44) and Chile (17:56) on Saturday.
Team captain, Selvyn Davids, who played at the Tokyo Olympics, said a win in Monaco would salvage some Blitzboks pride and will of course put them in contention for a possible medal in Paris.
Blitzboks keen to redeem themselves in repechage. More here: https://t.co/dV8wrdAwSz@WeBuyCars_SA#PoweredByUnity pic.twitter.com/VMfhTviXtV
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) June 20, 2024
