Springbok Sevens Speedster Shilton van Wyk on his way to the try line against Uruguay on the opening day of the Hong Kong SVNS tournament.
Image: Zach Franzen, World Rugby
A new-look Hong Kong SVNS, but still the same disappointing results for the faltering Blitzboks.
They started the tournament in the Far East on a high, but consecutive losses in the rest of the pool matches condemned the Springbok Sevens to another disappointment at the prestigious event.
Not even a change of venue could inspire the South Africans to break their hoodoo in Hong Kong and the long wait for a first-ever victory continues for head coach Philip Snyman and his charges. They lost to New Zealand on Saturday morning after failing to get going in the third pool clash. Lost opportunities on the attack and some ordinary defence stifled them heavily.
They also suffered a defeat to Australia on day one where their tackling was below the standard they set for themselves. It meant the Springbok Sevens finished third in their pool and could only challenge for the ninth place.
A meeting with African neighbours Kenya is scheduled for Sunday morning (6am kick-off) and the Blitzboks will look to finish in ninth place in Hong Kong.
They grabbed a second victory over Uruguay – who they defeated on the first day to start quickly – on Saturday afternoon to get themselves back on track.
While the 33-7 win over the South Americans will be a panacea after losing to the Kiwis 17-7 and being knocked out, it will bring little help to the Bltzboks’ quest to challenge for the overall series title.
Failing to make the quarter-finals this weekend effectively ends their challenge to be crowned series winners after the Singapore event this coming weekend.
They were in fourth place before the Hong Kong tournament, but log-leaders Argentina, Spain and Fiji are set to extend their lead over the Springbok Sevens. That means the title could be out of their reach.
They can now set their sights on winning the once-off tournament in Los Angeles in May.
Collectively, the team will agree that they performed below par in Hong Kong and that their season hasn’t gone to plan entirely. But, there are enough positive signs from the team to be successful in the USA if they play to their potential.
The debut of Gino Cupido was special, and the 19-year-old scored three tries in the first two days. He looks set to play a bigger role going forward in the Blitzboks setup.
Building towards Singapore will start with the duel against the Kenyans. If they can pick up a victory on Sunday, it will bring some much-needed momentum ahead of the final tournament in the series.
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