Blitzboks Conclude Perth Sevens with Heads Held High

Although the Blitzboks didn’t clinch any silverware in Perth, they are returning from the Australian leg of the World Sevens Series with pride after securing a fifth-place finish.

In a triumphant final match against France, the South Africans outplayed their opponents with a scoreline of 24-5, wrapping up their Perth campaign on a positive note.

Sandile Ngcobo, the head coach of Springbok Sevens, acknowledged the disappointment of the earlier defeat to Fiji but commended the team’s resilience in the final match. Ngcobo emphasized the tight nature of the series, where even a one percent deviation from optimal performance could result in defeat.

Blitzboks Conclude Perth Sevens with Heads Held High and Fifth Place Finish

Despite missing key players Quewin Nortje and Ronald Brown in the match against France, the Blitzboks displayed a hunger and enthusiasm that set them apart.

Ryan Oosthuizen, the most experienced player for the Blitzboks in Perth, expressed initial disappointment at not reaching the semi-finals but praised the team’s performance in securing fifth place. Oosthuizen highlighted the significance of every point in the competitive format of the series.

Looking ahead, Oosthuizen mentioned the team’s swift turnaround, with upcoming tournaments in Vancouver and Los Angeles, providing them with another opportunity to shine.

Meanwhile, the Springbok Women’s team, although not replicating their strong Saturday performances, returned home reasonably satisfied. Despite a setback against Brazil in the ninth-place playoff match, coach Renfred Dazel acknowledged overall improvement in various aspects throughout the three-day tournament.