Blitzboks lucky to be in Cup play-offs

Blitzboks lucky to be in Cup play-offs

4 Feb 2011

GARETH DUNCAN reports on the Springbok Sevens’ inconsistent performances on day one at the Wellington Sevens.

The Blitzboks will have to thank Canada for their place in the Cup section. After their 31-5 win over the latter, they suffered a 14-12 loss to France in their second group match. All France had to do to confirm their Cup spot ahead of South Africa was to beat the lowly North Americans.

A French victory was expected against Canada, who also lost 38-0 against Fiji. However, Canada upset France with an 19-14 win, handing the Blitzboks a Cup play-off lifeline. South Africa followed with a draw against Fiji, confirming second place behind the Pacific Islanders in Pool D. But it was a match South Africa should have won.

Fiji were far the better team in the first stanza and rightfully took the lead after speedster Seremaia Burotu ran in the corner for the first try of the game. In reply, the Blitzboks couldn’t build any momentum on attack because of poor passing and handling while their defence was easily penetrated. South Africa were lucky to be trailing 7-0 at the break.

In the second half, the Blitzboks produced an improved performance. They camped inside Fiji’s red zone for most parts of the half but could only score one try through Branco du Preez to level matters.

Bernado Botha had the opportunity to dive over for the match-winning try, but he lost the ball forward over the line. South Africa were then awarded an injury-time penalty in a kickable position to clinch the match, but they went for the try and failed.

The Blitzboks will now face Australia in the Cup quarter-final on day two. In the other Cup play-offs, England face Argentina, Fiji play Samoa and New Zealand take on Wales.

Blitzboks results (Day 1):
South Africa 31 Canada 5
South Africa 12 France 14
South Africa 7 Fiji 7

Blitzbok fixtures (Day 2):
South Africa vs Australia (04:17 k/o)

For all fixtures and results, click here

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988 Comments

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  • 701.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 14:55 pm

    @Heavens Game(Heavens Game)-638: thank goodness, that’ll be such a relief…in the immortal words of dionne warwick…”scroll on by” :mrgreen:

  • 702.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 14:55 pm

    Unfortunately students of regime change born out of oppression will concur, such change almost always comes with violence and loss of life.

    The hearts and minds thing is worth no more than a warm fuzzy feeling.

    No balladeur living in his own creative realm will ever change that!

    But share your sentiments all the way and do bat for your team.

  • 703.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 14:57 pm

    @@trupisero(trupisero)-698:

    Hey, the Jocks are on a roll and hopefully there’s a bit of confidence going into tonight’s game. I’m a bit worried about the French in Paris up first, hopefully we’ve learnt our lesson from the NZ game, but I honestly believe it’s a fine line just now for Scotland between success and failure and that they have to be mentally tough.

    Man, I always just pray we don’t get thumped.

  • 704.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 14:58 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-702:

    You on the bottle?

    Or do you really talk like that? ;)

  • 705.Porto: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 14:58 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-690: Very well put.@JockBok(JockBok)-696: ah cumfrae atweetoon dooniriver werriboats wurbuilt; ma moniker wull tell ye whit toon. Ahmno a robertsons jam jar, at wiz a bit a haverin (dinny tellum yit)tae bile ees heid. Ah go up i road often i weemammy is still er. Werryefrum?

  • 706.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 14:59 pm

    @Great White Shark(Predawn)-699:

    The only things you can call scotch are things you can eat or buy. Like a pie, or a politician ;)

    @I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-700:

    Ag, all this nonsense is a bit daft. I like Grant, I just think his vision is a bit clouded at the moment. Bit of a vicious circle going on here.

  • 707.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:01 pm

    @trupisero(trupisero)-704:

    Bottle later with the game….and a braai.

    Yep me talking………like that.

  • 708.Porto: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:03 pm

    @Great White Shark(Predawn)-699: Indeed, with some poetic licence, that is so :lol:

  • 709.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:03 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-707:

    Like to see you get all those words out without missing a beat after a bottle!

  • 710.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:05 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-707:

    Enjoy. Its time for me to get Pumba out of the pot and into the sauce.

  • 711.Great White Shark: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:05 pm

    Now I’m in the mood for a wee dram.

  • 712.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:07 pm

    @trupisero(trupisero)-709:

    Can’t fathom why you would imagine sharing a good bottle of red with the wife over a braai to be linguistically inhibiting. Pray tell……

  • 713.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:08 pm

    @Porto(Porto)-705:

    Lol. Ahvegoatye mawsrawurd.

    Ahmaliviboymasel

  • 714.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:09 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-712:

    A bottle of red still fine, a bottle of rum not so fine…

  • 715.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:09 pm

    @trupisero(trupisero)-710:

    :D

  • 716.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:12 pm

    Oops, my DStv’s just made fzzt noise and the sound has gone 8O

  • 717.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:13 pm

    Stormers away jersey doesn’t look so bad…

  • 718.trupisero: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:15 pm

    right, I’m outta here.

    Enjoy and behave!

  • 719.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:16 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-701:

    Transie,I think HG missed your acceptance of his apology.

    He didn’t see your post #559.

    And I’ve brought it to his attention. (My post #662).

    The sooner people get back to the banter the better.

    And there are 3 rugger matches to focus on today.

  • 720.Porto: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:17 pm

    Cheerio inat, ahm awey roamin ini gloamin

  • 721.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:20 pm

    @Porto(Porto)-720:

    Lol, huva wee glessibuckie furuz mate.

  • 722.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:24 pm

    @I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-719:

    Too true. Far too much nonsense going on in here. Back to the important stuff…

    Ireland
    Stormers
    Scotland

    ….to win today. I’m hoping Italy though because Scots have Ireland at home and we can turn them over there.

  • 723.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:43 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-717:

    Jock, where did you get sight of the away jersey? I haven’t been to the shops yet.

    But amazing how often the away jersey can look better.

  • 724.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:54 pm

    @I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-723:

    They posted the photo on facebook this afternoon. If you’re on facebook, join the Stormers page and you’ll see it.

    I’ve got to shoot to work quickly but should be back in an hour or so. If you haven’t found it, I’ll see if I can send you the url or something.

  • 725.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 15:59 pm

    @I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-723:

    Looks like the old away top really, all white but with the horizontal stripes on the front like the home jersey.

    Much nicer than the home jersey imho.

  • 726.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:07 pm

    Allister Coetzee’s take on these warm=up matches.

    “It’s been another big week for us. Our focus has shifted from conditioning, to more technical rugby training, with the matches in the Neo Africa series helping enormously with match fitness and preparation. You can train all you like, but you really do need to have actual match contact to truly prepare yourself. At this stage it’s not all about the result, but rather about how that match time can assist and prepare you for the competition, conditioning wise, technically, mentally and in the creation of depth.”

  • 727.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:17 pm

    @I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-719: yeah, i saw that…anyway it’s his prerogative ;)

  • 728.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:23 pm

    4th place in any jersey loks the same to me.
    DHL ffs.
    Whats next…..Checkers Hyper??

  • 729.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:24 pm

    loks = looks.
    DHL = DHL

  • 730.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:30 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-728:

    Explain 4th place to me.

    Not understanding.

  • 731.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:35 pm

    @I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-730:

    Local teams only.

    2011 S15
    1. Bulls
    2. Sharks
    3. Lions
    4. Stormers
    5. Cheetahs

    2011 CC
    1. Sharks
    2. Bulls
    3. Cheetahs
    4. Stormers
    5. Lions

    Team sure to cause upsets: Lions

  • 732.Stephen M: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:36 pm

    Hey guys I’ve been following following this site since 2006. I know all you discuss is rugby but I was wondering if it would be okay for me to advertise jobs here for those interested in working from home. I work for Inet Bridge and we have vacancies.

  • 733.Stephen M: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:37 pm

    Lol one following

  • 734.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:41 pm

    @Stephen M(the Enigma)-733: mail addy?

  • 735.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:44 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-731:

    You reckon.

    So the Bulls are going to stuff it up in the Currie Cup again this year.

    From your lips to g-d’s ears.

    And who do you support?

    Surely not the Bulls. :D

  • 736.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:50 pm

    @I am a stormer(I am a stormer)-735:

    Hehe. Yep the Bulls.

    But in moderation and with appreciation for good rugby no matter which team.

    Think the S15 is going to go down a tier with players eyeing the RWC.

    CC will be Springbokless after the RWC.

  • 737.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 16:55 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-736:

    Now that your old Nemesis ( the future bok captain) is no longer a Stormer I was thinking you would rate them a bit higher than only 4th in the country :)

  • 738.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:00 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-736:

    Yeah, unfortunately the CC will become the equivalent of what the Vodacom Cup is now.

    Bloody disgraceful.

    The guys at SARU are definitely lacking in serious negotiating skills.

    I remember reading Louis Luyt’s book. The final deal was for $550 mio with Newcorp. And Luyt pushed for $555 mio which he got.

    He was asked why sometime later.

    Because I was testing my negotiating skills, he replied.

  • 739.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:02 pm

    Hihi Robzim
    2011 is upon us, may the best team win.
    Last years nemesis is……well last years nemesis, although the dislike lives forever. :)

    Methinks the Lions are the fly in the ointment this year. Superbru is going to be interesting?

  • 740.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:04 pm

    Anyone watching SS2…did they show the highlights of the previous 2 Plascon Double Velvet games yet?

  • 741.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:07 pm

    No Sharks Stormers thread?

  • 742.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:09 pm

    Talking about Luke Watson, I wonder if he’s rubbing shoulders with John Smit at Butch’s wedding.

    Luke and Butch are best buds, not so?

  • 743.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:09 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-739:

    Yip, the Lions might cause more than a few surprises- the Cheetahs might also do better as they wont have to play so many times overseas (I dont think they heve ever won a Super Rugby game outside the coubtry).

    As far as superbru is concerned my only ambition is to beat the British blogger named Carol. She knows absolutely nothing about rugby and it is quite embarrassing to an expert like me that I have never managed to beat her :)

  • 744.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:10 pm

    Shi.it, have those girls have got their outfits spray painted on?

  • 745.Bhloo: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:10 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-742: Hehe. You want a spoon?

    That yellow blob on the Stormers jersey?

  • 746.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:12 pm

    Crazy jerseys at Newlands.

    Both are all white from behind. Going to be tough working out who’s who in a ruck, maul etc…

  • 747.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:13 pm

    @Bhloo(redj)-745:

    Luke’s barfed his pizza on it :D

  • 748.Robzim: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:13 pm

    @JockBok(JockBok)-740:

    Hi Jockbok,

    They basically only showed a try or two and some handshakes.

  • 749.I am a stormer: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:15 pm

    Stormers looking full of running. Good break Steenkamp.

  • 750.JockBok: Reply to this comment
    5 Feb 2011, 17:16 pm

    @Robzim(Robzim)-748:

    Ah, thanks Rob. Thought they’d show some highlights and I wasn’t back in time to see them.

    Was looking forward to those Lions driving maul tries ;)

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