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South Africa sevens want to give Antoine Dupont another terrible day at office
By Ian Cameron
The South Africa men’s sevens team are taking inspiration from the Springboks Rugby World Cup heroics last year at the Stade de France as they chase their own gold medal in Paris this weekend.
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The ‘Blitzboks’ are focused and prepared for their upcoming match against France in the semi-finals of the 2024 Olympic Games, set to take place on Saturday afternoon.
Interim head coach Philip Snyman noted that the team’s confidence is bolstered by the Springboks’ previous victory over France at the same venue during the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
Former sevens stars Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith and Kurt-Lee Arendse made significant contributions in that game, inspiring the Blitzboks ahead of this crucial Olympic encounter tomorrow.
“We all saw that game and how guts and determination brought the win,” said Snyman. “We are going to need that as well, apart from being clinical, especially on defence.
“France will be boosted by the massive crowd, but like the Springboks, we plan to use that as our motivation as well. They are a team that play well when they gather momentum and play with a lot of flair, but brutal defence is one way to stop that. That will be our aim tomorrow.”
The Blitzboks enjoyed a down day after the first frenetic days of competition.
“Yesterday was tough and there are sore bodies, so we enjoyed the off day,” he said.
“We had two tough games against New Zealand and faced Ireland as well, so some respite today was welcome. The guys could also relax a bit, but when we have a meeting in the late afternoon, it will be all in again. The focus will be on us and our game and how we achieve the right results for the team.”
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Snyman also thanked the well-wished offering their support from afar.
“I suppose we came in through the back door, but that did not stop people sending us heaps of well wishes and good luck messages. We will do our utmost not to disappoint them,” Snyman said.
Following the South Africa vs. France semi-final, Australia will face Fiji, the reigning two-time Olympic gold medalists, in the second playoff match.
