OPINION: One last chance for Blitzboks to make big statement
The SA Sevens team produced a mixed bag of results throughout the 2024/25 season.
The Blitzboks will be gunning for a strong finish to their season in Los Angeles. Picture: David van der Sandt/Gallo Images
South African rugby fans will hope for a strong showing by the Blitzboks when the 2024/25 season comes to a close in Los Angeles this weekend with the staging of the 'World Championship'.
It has been another up-and-down season for the once mighty Blitzboks who ruled the game for several years some time ago.
The SA Sevens team finished fourth on the points table after the six events, with just one tournament win, in Cape Town in their home tournament.
In the last two events, in Hong Kong and Singapore, they failed to make the cup quarter-finals and semi-finals and finished ninth in both tournaments.
But, the Blitzboks will feature in the grand final in LA this weekend, along with the top eight teams from the series. They're joined in their pool by France, Britain and Argentina. The other pool consists of New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and Spain.
It's now best of the best and winner takes all.
At full strength for World Championship
Philip Snyman's team have beaten all the sides in their pool this season, but there is not much separating the four sides and the Blitzboks will certainly have to be at their best in their three pool matches.
The top two teams in each pool advance to the semi-finals.
The good news for the South African team is that three big-game players, Quewin Nortje, the team's leading try-scorer this season, and for series winners Ronald Brown and Mfundo Ndhlovu are fit again and will feature in LA.
It is an experienced 13-player group who on their day can beat anyone and Snyman and all of South Africa will hope they click this weekend.
Another thing going for them is the fact the Blitzboks generally perform well in one-off tournaments, as they showed in Paris last year when they managed to win the bronze medal at the Olympics.
So while the Blitzboks didn't produce too many fireworks over the last season, bar for their good showing on home soil and the odd impressive result here and there, they have a chance to finish the campaign on a real high this weekend.
Here's hoping for a big final push by the Blitzboks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Proteas inch closer to World Test Championship Mace after Markram and Bavuma batting masterclass
South Africa 138 and 213 for 2 (Aiden Markram 102*, Temba Bavuma 65*, Mitchell Starc 2-53) need 69 runs to beat Australia 212 and 207 (Starc 58, Alex Carey 43, Kagiso Rabada 4-59, Lungi Ngidi 3-38). Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have batted the Proteas to the verge of history at Lord's against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. They need 69 runs to clinch the Test mace with two days of action still available to play. Australia, dismissed for 207 in their second innings, set the Proteas a winning target of 282, which in the context of the low-scoring encounter, seemed almost impossible. But the dream is closer to reality after an aggressive response with the bat that has taken the Proteas to the brink of one of South African cricket's greatest achievements. The two most senior South African batters were undefeated at the crease at the close of play on day three, having led the team to 213 for two at stumps, putting on an unbroken 143-run third-wicket stand. Markram is the second South African in this match who will have his name etched into the Lord's Honour's Board at the conclusion of the WTC final, having struck an incredible century under pressure. Zero to hero The opener has gone from zero (dismissed for a duck in the first innings) to hero, carving out an appealing 102 off 159 deliveries, caressing 11 fours on his way to his eighth Test century. Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma, meanwhile, limped his way to 65 off 121 balls, with five boundary fours smacked. Bavuma, while fluent in his strokeplay, had a literal limp caused by a left hamstring strain, sustained while running through for a quick single. It meant the skipper and vice-captain couldn't take any quick singles. Despite that, the pair put on 143 runs for the third wicket in a display of batting of the highest magnitude under extreme pressure. Bavuma's innings was one of courage, skill and supreme commitment to his teammates and his country when they needed their leader to set the tone. What transpired with the bat on day three was a dream for Bavuma. But it was very nearly a nightmare when he edged a Mitchell Starc snorter to Steve Smith at a very close first slip, with a helmet on — as the edges had been falling short all Test match. But instead of pouching the chance, Smith snatched at the ball that flew at him and dropped the ball. Bavuma was on two at the time, and South Africa on 76 for two in the 20th over. The Proteas had also lost Wiaan Mulder in Starc's previous over so would have opened up an end. Bavuma survived and made the most of his good fortune, as the best players tend to do. For Smith, to add injury to insult, he suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger while attempting the catch. He was taken to the hospital for x-rays. Morning frustration Earlier in the day, Australia's tail wagged to proportions of concern. Starc (58 off 136), in at nine, struck his 11th Test half century to guide Australia from 144 for eight overnight to 207 all out and extended Australia's lead to 282. Kagiso Rabada trapped Nathan Lyon LBW in the third over of the morning — to claim his ninth wicket of the match — but Starc and Josh Hazlewood (17 off 53) batted through the rest of the morning session, putting on 59 runs in their last wicket stand — Australia's second highest partnership in the innings. Hazlewood eventually became Markram's fifth Test scalp as the teams went into lunch with one innings in the Test match remaining, and knowing exactly what was needed to claim the WTC mace. The batting success of Australia's lower order, although frustrating for the Proteas, proved that conditions were finally okay for batting after two days of batters poking and prodding while attempting to get bat to ball. While 28 wickets fell across the first two days; only four fell on day three. Australia bowling coach Daniel Vettori suggested that the lack of cloud cover for the duration of day three's play, as well as the pitch becoming placid (as experts on the playing conditions at Lord's have suggested will happen) assisted the significant drop-off in wickets. In the same vein, Vettori credited Bavuma and Markam's vigil. 'It has been difficult scoring but South Africa made the most of those conditions. But also, it was an exceptional partnership,' Vettori said. 'They navigated the tricky times and then were able to put pressure back on us through their running [and] through their ability to dissect the field. It was a real clinic from those two.'
TimesLIVE
6 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Aiden Markram's magic edges Proteas closer to WTC victory over Australia at Lord's
Aiden Markram, so talented, so infuriating (because that talent deserves more runs), but on Friday so magnificent. His unbeaten 102 has given the Proteas the right to dream. 69 runs, just 69 runs. It doesn't look like a lot, but Australia will make it look triple that amount on Saturday. But before looking ahead, it is worth looking back and Markram was just sublime on Friday. South African supporters have dreamt of just this kind of knock from the former under-19 captain, from whom so much was and continues to be expected. Here he carved out what is undoubtedly the best innings of his life. A fulfilment of all that natural ability, as he mixed elegance, with guts, to ensure South African can dream. Markram, started so rapidly as South Africa set off in pursuit of 282 set by Australia — at stumps they were 213/2. A century of the highest class from Aiden Markram! 💯🔥 Composed under pressure, fearless in execution, what a time for a knock for the ages. 🇿🇦💪 A phenomenal player rising to the occasion when it matters most. Take a bow, Markram, pure brilliance! 🔥👏 #WTCFinal #WozaNawe … — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 13, 2025 That target that was probably 30 runs more than the Proteas had hoped to chase when they turned up at the ground on Friday morning. Australia's captain Pat Cummins said on Thursday evening that another '30 to 40 runs' on top of the 144/8 his side had overnight, would allow him to set attacking fields when South Africa batted for the final time. That happened, but it also left gaps and with the South African batters showing much better intent than was the case on Wednesday evening, alongside Australia not bowling at the same high standard they did in that period, the runs came quickly. Also the sun was out, and as irritating as the morning session was with Australia adding 73 runs and Starc reaching an unbeaten 58, it showed that the pitch was not as demonic as the first two days. Ryan Rickleton will be miffed that he got out the way he did. His provincial teammate, Wiaan Mulder, will feel the same, especially as he got a start, scoring 27, and sharing a second-wicket partnership of 61 with Markram. The opener, started with a gorgeous cover drive off Starc, building momentum that he was primarily responsible for maintaining through the innings. There were a few characteristically elegant back foot drives too through the covers, but arguably two of the best shots were deft late cuts — one off Starc and another off Beau Webster, the latter going finer to the third man boundary. The celebration of his hundred wasn't as animated as in the past — the was no leap for instance — just a punch of his right fist and a look up to the sky. With the captain Temba Bavuma not out on 65, ignoring the searing pain of a strained left hamstring to help forge a partnership that at stumps was worth 143 runs. Bavuma limped, hobbled and occasionally broke into something resembling a sprint when trying to complete a two after a delicate sweep off Travis Head. It looked bloody painful. It will need more treatment overnight, but you can bet your last rand, he'll be at the crease on Saturday morning. The South African captain's innings was not without luck, the biggest moment arriving early in his innings, when he'd scored just two and was dropped by Steve Smith at first slip off Starc. The former Australia captain was standing much closer to the stumps than is normal — wearing a helmet for protection — and the ball blasted through his fingers. He left the field in agony and was later diagnosed with a compound dislocation of his right little finger. Smith was taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. A number of edges have fallen short of slips in the past two days, leading to both sides moving their respective cordons closer to the stumps. Like Smith, Markram also wore a helmet on Thursday night and again on Friday morning as he stood close against the quick bowlers. It was the main reason Marco Jansen, standing at gully, dropped Starc when he had 14, three balls before the close of play on the second evening. By the close of the third evening, South Africa were on top, they can dream.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
South African athletics mourns Mathews Leeto: A Tribute to 'The General'
Mathews Leeto, affectionately known as 'The General', remembered for his humility, quiet strength, and dedication to the sport. Image: Supplied The South African athletics community is in mourning following the death of elite long-distance runner Mathews Leeto, who died in a car accident on Wednesday, along with his coach, Motlagale. Leeto was a prominent member of the Hollywood Athletics Club and affectionately known by many as "The General" for his quiet strength and dignified presence on and off the track. The club expressed its deep sorrow, confirming the loss of 'one of our Elite athletes, Mathews Leeto, who tragically lost his life in a car accident yesterday.' 'Mathews was a valued part of our club and community, a committed athlete, a supportive teammate, and a kind-hearted individual known affectionately to many as 'The General'. His quiet strength and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone he trained and competed alongside,' said the club. Leeto's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the country, with fellow runners and fans remembering both his athletic excellence and his humility. He leaves behind a young family, with the club urging the public to respect their privacy during this painful time. 'We stand in support of his loved ones and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.' On social media, long-time followers and fellow athletes have shared personal memories of Leeto's journey and rise in the running scene. Longtime friend and fellow athlete Tumelo Mabua shared a personal reflection on Facebook, remembering Leeto's breakthrough moment at the Tembisa Mile. 'He ran so fast that day that he led the race for 5km, with years came experience, and he matured,' Mabua wrote. He recalled how Leeto often laughed about being overtaken in that early race, a memory his coach never let him forget. Leeto's growth in the sport was evident in later achievements, including his standout performance at the Motsepe Foundation 10km Race. 'Leeto was establishing himself and taking his own space in the running arena. Sadly, we will not see much further. It's a blow to SA running,' Mabua said, ending his tribute with; 'May his soul rest in peace. Death be not proud!' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Hollywood Athletics Club said Mathews will be deeply missed by his clubmates, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. "He will be remembered not only for his dedication to the sport, but for the way he carried himself with humility, grace, and quiet leadership.' The athletics world now awaits details of the upcoming memorial, with the club confirming; 'Further information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared when available.' As the tributes continue to flow, the name 'Mathews Leeto' will be remembered not only for the races he ran, but for the spirit he embodied, steady, noble, and deeply respected. IOL News
