Leighton Koopman
The Springbok Sevens team faced a disappointing end to their campaign at the Dubai SVNS, concluding the tournament in sixth place following a narrow 17-15 loss to Olympic champions France in the play-off match on Sunday afternoon.
With high hopes of claiming the title for a sixth consecutive time, the Blitzboks' aspirations were halted early in the weekend when they suffered a tight defeat to New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
That’s a wrap on the #Dubai7s. See you in Cape Town next weekend! Can’t wait to be back on home soil. 🇿🇦 🙌 #Blitzboks #PoweredByUnity #HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/C0BCJgrsYb
After the tournament, sentiments were mixed for the Blitzboks. Although they now have a chance to enter the upcoming Cape Town SVNS with less pressure, the sting of finishing sixth is palpable. To make matters more challenging, the South African side heads into their home tournament without the title of Dubai champions to shield them, marking nearly a decade since they last triumphed in the South African leg of the series.
The electrifying clash against France marked a reversal of fortunes from their earlier group-stage meeting, where South Africa had triumphed. Leading 10-0 at half-time, the Blitzboks seemed to be well on course for victory, courtesy of tries from Donavan Don and David Brits.
However, as the second half unfolded, cracks began to appear in their defence, culminating in two unanswered tries by the French side. Co-captain Zain Davids briefly restored the lead for South Africa, but as the clock wound down, France seized their opportunity, scoring a converted try in the dying moments to seal the comeback.
The team’s earlier performance against New Zealand was equally heartbreaking.
Drama all the way to the end 😲
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) December 1, 2024
The All Blacks Sevens stun the @Blitzboks to win their 200th quarter-final 💪⭐
📺 Stream #HSBCSVNS on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/hdSpbGavN1
Trailing by 19-17, the Blitzboks found themselves on the attacking front when a calamitous loose pass from speedster Shilton van Wyk fell into the hands of a New Zealand defender. In a stunning turn of events, the Kiwis converted their defensive play into the match-winning score, marking their first victory over South Africa in Dubai in nearly a decade.
The loss extinguished South Africa’s hopes of defending their title in the tournament.
Despite the disappointing results, head coach Philip Snyman will be optimistic. While the Blitzboks didn't display the consistent performance he had called for, there were glimpses of potential that could see them challenge for the Cape Town title this weekend.
The team will undoubtedly need to regroup, tighten their defence, and capitalise on scoring opportunities if they are to emerge victorious on home soil.