Lucky Maree
In hindsight it was probably inevitable that the Blitzboks would not make the finals at the Rugby World Cup Sevens.
And what is more, the four teams that played the men’s semi-finals, the two teams that played in the finals, and the winner were fairly easy to predict.
From the time Fiji and New Zealand returned after their self-imposed banishment during Covid-19 they were always going to be the teams to beat.
Australia and South Africa were the major beneficiaries during the year as they competed for the championships while Fiji, New Zealand and to a lesser degree Samoa, languished in the lower rankings. But that was only because they weren’t there for most of the year to win tournaments.
Of the four teams in the World Cup finals, Ireland was the biggest surprise – although it was clear from the way they played that they were there to win. Of course, as we know, they made it to the semis at the expense of the Blitzboks, beating them by 24-12 in the quarter finals.
And they will have gone home with a big smile on their faces, beating Australia in the semis. What an achievement for them to win the bronze medal!
The final was a predictable contest between Fiji and New Zealand. Fiji’s win was well-deserved although the match could have gone either way.
Is it any consolation that South Africa won their 7th place play-off match against Samoa by 35-5?
Not really. Clicking into gear when very little is at stake seems to emphasise that they dropped the ball when it mattered. They seemed to panic when they should have beaten Argentina. Dealing with pressure is as much a part of international sport as fitness and preparation – and the Blitzboks simply didn’t deliver. Expecting them to bring home the trophy may have been a case of reaching for Fool’s Gold.
So, what else is there to say, but “Goodbye Neil Powell, hope you do well in the 15s with the Sharks,” and “Goodnight, Blitzboks, rest well until the contest starts again in Hong Kong in November.”
Image source: @Blitzboks
