“Congrats”: South Africa Secures Paris 2024 Spot With World Rugby Sevens Win

“Congrats”: South Africa Secures Paris 2024 Spot With World Rugby Sevens Win

  • South Africa qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after beating Great Britain 14-5 in the World Rugby Sevens Repechage
  • The Blitzboks became the last of 12 teams to qualify for the tournament, which returns to the Olympic programme
  • Fans and supporters of the green and gold celebrated the triumph, heading online to share their congratulations

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South Africa celebrated securing Paris 2024 Olympics spot
South Africa booked their place for Paris 2024 with a 14-5 win over Great Britain at the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco. Image: @Blitzboks
Source: Twitter

It was another heart-stopping moment for South Africa at the weekend, but unlike the World Cup Rugby final eight months ago, the nation held its breath for the green and gold to qualify for Paris 2024.

And they did — albeit in the eleventh hour by their standards — as the Blitzboks fought to a 14-5 win over Great Britain at the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco.

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South Africa overcome Great Britain

Stade Louis II provided the backdrop for deciding the final men's and women's teams for the global spectacle as sevens rugby returns to the Olympics.

It was a humdinger affair as the two outfits drew the battle lines to wrestle for the final of 12 qualification spots apiece for the men's and women's sides.

A stern defensive line held the Blitzboks in good stead against a late onslaught from Great Britain.

After a well-executed cross-field kick, Quewin Nortje put South Africa first on the points board two minutes into the game.

However, Great Britain piled back the pressure, trying to mount a late resurgence.

But South Africa held their nerve to get over the line, leading to rapturous celebrations.

This ensured the Blitzboks joined Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, the United States and Uruguay.

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The rugby sevens tournaments are scheduled to run from 24 to 30 July.

Fans and supporters over the moon

Supporters of the green and gold held their breath during the game, hopeful South Africa would not disappoint at the last hurdle.

Fortunately, the outcome impressed everyone who watched the pulsating match.

Briefly News brings readers some interesting reactions below.

@M49Denise shared:

"Congratulations, Blitzbokke. So proud of how you performed this weekend. You're in the Olympics. You are there. Rejoice [and] give thanks for a job well done."

@Bullet_Dalton wrote:

"The @Blitzboks have qualified for the Olympic Games! Well done, lads!"

@bootland_gary noted:

"Outstanding Blitzbokke. Been a rough season and some horrendous performances, but not today."

Rassie Erasmus gets second Springboks stint underway

In other news, Briefly News reported recently that Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus returned on Saturday to steer the three-time Rugby World Cup champions' ship with a win in Twickenham, London.

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"We can qualify": Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos calls for focus as World Cup Qualifiers heat up

The Boks bossed their way to a 41-13 win over Wales in their maiden rugby match of the year.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Tshepiso Mametela avatar

Tshepiso Mametela (Head of Current Affairs Desk) Tshepiso Mametela is a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience writing for online and print publications. He is the Head of Current Affairs at Briefly News. He was a mid-level reporter for The Herald, a senior sports contributor at Opera News SA, and a general reporter for Caxton Local Media’s Bedfordview and Edenvale News and Joburg East Express community titles. He has attended media workshops organised by the Wits Justice Project and Wits Centre for Journalism, including crime and court reporting. Email: tshepiso.mametela@briefly.co.za