The Team South Africa Sevens team have a mountain to climb in their quest for a medal at the Paris Olympics after their went down 10-5 to Ireland in their Rugby Sevens opener.
The scoreline suggests a close encounter, but it was all Ireland for most of the match, as they dominated possession with with their power game and impressive ball security.
So close, but well played @IrishRugby
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) July 24, 2024
10-5 in Paris. pic.twitter.com/F3U0Tn4lgJ
They were especially mean in the first half, holding the ball for most of the half. It was just the brave defence of the Blitzboks that kept them at bay and restricted them to one try in the first half.
With just over a minute to go in the half, Jordan Conroy made a break after Ireland wore down the South Africans. However, he lost the ball over the line and the Blitzboks managed to clear from the resulting scrum.
However, Ireland were relentless with ball in hand, taking the South Africans side to side before finding the holes as their opponents’ defensive line started to tire. Ireland would take the lead on the stroke of half-time when Conroy finally got his try.
The second half was a cagey affair, with the Blitzboks getting a lot more territory and possession. However, their discipline let them down, conceding a number of penalties in Ireland’s half of the field.
The South Africans, who were also warned after a dangerous tackle in the first half, then lost Ryan Oosthuizen to a yellow card for a debatable dangerous tackle.
Ireland then took advantage, with Terry Kennedy scoring their second try of the fixture.
The Blitzboks fought back towards the end of the match, with veteran substitute Rosko Spekman adding much-needed attacking impetus.
Spekman set up captain Selwyn Davids with second to go on the clock, but it was too little too late for the South Africans.
The Blitzboks must now beat New Zealand in their next match on Wednesday night, before taking on Japan on Thursday.
Meanwhile, New Zealand beat Japan 40-12 in the other Pool A match played earlier on Wednesday.
Point scorers:
South Africa - Try: Selwyn Davids
Ireland - Tries: Jordan Conroy, Terry Kennedy
@JohnGoliath82
IOL Sport