Olympic Rugby Sevens: Underdogs South Africa inspired by ‘tough chats’ as attentions turn to ‘another surprise’

South Africa’s shock 14-7 win over New Zealand in the Olympic Rugby Sevens quarter-finals was inspired by some “tough chats” as the Blitzboks set up a semi-final clash with hosts France.

Philip Snyman’s charges only qualified for the Olympic Games last month after a tense 14-5 victory over Great Britain in the World Rugby Sevens Repechage following a poor run of form in the World Rugby SVNS Series.

Losses to Ireland and New Zealand on the opening day of the Olympic Games left South Africa with plenty to do in their final pool stage match – needing at least a victory of 21 points over Japan to progress to the knockout stages.

South Africa stun New Zealand at the Olympics

But the Blitzboks delivered, sealing a 49-5 victory to set up a quarter-final clash with their fiercest foes, New Zealand.

New Zealand were clear favourites to progress to the semi-finals but first-half tries from Selvyn Davids and Tristan Leyds and some stellar defence saw the Blitzboks keep their hopes of claiming a medal alive.

“We knew we’re the underdogs because we had a bad season and yesterday, New Zealand beat us,” Davids said on the Olympics broadcast.

“We just came out and gave it our all, we knew we only had one chance.

“I think we just stuck to our guns. We know New Zealand is a quality team so we just tried to stick to our guns, just follow the gameplan.

“We fought for 40 minutes and that’s what it takes to win or be successful in a sevens game.”

South Africa will now face France in the semi-final after the hosts defeated one of the favourites for the gold medal, Argentina, in their quarter-final.

“Our next game… it’s gonna be tough,” Davids added.

“We need to stay focused and keep our heads in the game.”

Another surprise?

Meanwhile, fellow try scorer Leyds revealed that some tough conversations after a poor showing on day one led to South Africa’s improved performances.

“Today was a special day. Things yesterday did not go our way. We had a tough chat with the boys last night and knew we had to pull it together,” Leyds said.

“Japan (who they beat 49-5 earlier on Thursday) was a good start. We just knew we had to gain some points on the board and get a victory. We got a second chance against New Zealand and the boys produced a special performance in defence.”

He added: “People back home did not think we had a chance but where there is a will, there is a way. And the guys put it together and got the ‘W’ against New Zealand.

“The boys showed a massive effort. This team can pull off big surprises like this one. It was pretty special. Hopefully, we can pull off another surprise in the semi-final.”