Blitzboks down, but not out yet

STARS NEED TO ALIGN FOR THE RULING CHAMPS SA have to win in Paris; Fiji has to lose quarterfinal.

Despite needing luck to successfully defend their World Rugby Sevens Series title going into the last round in Paris this weekend, the Blitzboks have vowed to fight until the better end to try and topple Fiji.

South Africa’s heartbreaking 21-17 loss to Fiji in the London final last Sunday enabled the Pacific nation to extend their series lead to seven points.

In order for them to retain their title, South Africa will have to win the final in France and hope Fiji get knocked out in the quarter-finals.

“It is not over yet, we still have a chance and will not stop playing for this jersey till the very last play,” Blitzboks captain Philip Snyman said after their loss at Twickenham.

His statement was echoed by Seabelo Senatla, who took his record try-scoring tally to 221 in London.

“Sevens is all about scoring when you have opportunities and Fiji did that better than us. Now the focus will be on Paris and to finish the World Series on a high,” said Senatla.

“We will work on that and come back a stronger team in Paris. We would like to get another shot at them and turn the tables.”

Dewald Human and Mfundo Ndhlovu will replace the injured Cecil Afrika and Branco du Preez in the Blitzbok squad for the series finale at the Stade Jean Bouin in the French capital.

Afrika (hamstring) and Du Preez (shoulder) will return to South Africa for treatment, while Human and Ndhlovo left for France yesterday.

South Africa face Canada, Russia and Scotland in Pool B in Paris.