3 years ago
1
ARTICLE AD BOX
Subscribers can listen to this article
Sandile Ngcobo
Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The Blitzboks have made it to the semi-finals of the Sydney Sevens after topping Pool B and then beating Ireland in their quarter-final clash on Saturday.
Blitzbok coach Sandile Ngcobo was full of praise for his charges following their efforts on the day, which saw a marked improvement from Hamilton the previous week, something he was quick to note.
"Everybody agreed after Hamilton that we cannot be happy with those performances and that we needed to step up and represent the badge and all it stands for with everything we had," he said.
"The guys did that today, and I am very proud. The performances today were for everyone that contributed to this effort and also for the injured players, guys like Selvyn Davids, who returned home, Siviwe Soyizwapi and Ryan Oosthuizen, who got injured here.
"This performance also represented the guys back home in Stellenbosch, and it was pleasing to see the effort. I am very proud."
Newsletter
Rucking with Rob
Resident rugby writer Rob Houwing gives you his expert views on what's going on between the poles.
Ngcobo said the way the players implemented the plan for each match was exactly what the coaching staff asked them to do:
"We reminded them about the system and how that overrides any individual effort, and we saw that out there.
"Defending like we did against New Zealand with six players on the field showed that the guys took it personally and trusted each other. That is one of the main ingredients in our system."
After falling at the quarter-final stage in Hamilton last week, Ngcobo said it was imperative that his team started on the front foot against Ireland.
"We wanted to score first and keep the pressure from there onwards, and it worked out like that," said Ngcobo.
"We have a very good mix in the squad currently, and that helps in our execution. The senior players in the squad are very experienced and keep things together, while the younger players bring massive energy, and we got the rewards from that."
"I told the young guys to go out and play their game, that is why they were picked, and they responded very well.”
Regarding the semi-final against Fiji, Ngcobo said it would be important for the players to rest well and return with the same mindset that highlighted their performances on Saturday.
The semi-final against Fiji will be on Sunday at 07:28 (SA time).
New Zealand and France will contest the other semi-final.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.
Next on Sport
Blitzboks cruise into Sydney Sevens semis after win over Ireland
3h ago
English (US)