WATCH: Blitzboks' EPIC defensive set that ended All Blacks' Olympic dream!
07/26/2024 04:48 AM
After losing to NZ by 17-5 in pool play on Wednesday, the Blitzboks hit back in style on Thursday to cause a big upset and ensure they will be playing for a medal in at the Stade de France on Saturday.
This kind of backs-to-the-wall defensive display is what epitomised the Neil Powell era, and it was great to see the Blitzboks — especially the older players in the squad — call on all their experience and might and putting their bodies on the line to halt New Zealand in their tracks.
The Blitzboks will now face France in the semi-final, with kick-off scheduled for 15h30 on Saturday afternoon.
WATCH: BLITZBOKS DENY NEW ZEALAND ON THE TRYLINE
COACH SHOWS UNWAVERING FAITH IN HIS TROOPS
Blitzboks interim head coach Philip Snyman praised his team after their stunning victory: "They deserve to be in the semi-finals, as they have executed and delivered everything I have asked from them today.
"We did not play poorly on day one, we just could not get our hands on the ball, but today was a different performance, a really inspiring one.
"We needed to win big against Japan and scored seven well-worked tries, but against New Zealand, the Blitzboks’ defence was going to be crucial and I am so proud of how the guys responded."
"Once we made it into the quarters, I told them to start believing that it is possible. I had a good feeling about the ability of the side, so once we were into the last eight, it was time to remind them of that.
"This was such a great win, built on defence and workrate, while we struck when we needed to. In fact, we left another try or two out there. These guys deserve to contest for a medal, they showed that tonight," the former Blitzboks captain turned coach concluded.
