Olympic heartbreak for SA as Blitzboks stunned by depleted Argentina

News24
27 Jul 2021, 16:14 GMT+10

The Blitzboks were stunned by Argentina on Tuesday, losing their quarter-final at the Tokyo Olympics 19-14 to see their chances of a medal disappear.

It is an incredibly disappointing result for Team South Africa, who were banking on the sevens side for a medal after they won bronze at Rio in 2016.

The South African task should have been made significantly easier by the fact the Argentina played the majority of the match with just six players after Gaston Revol was red-carded in just the third minute.

Instead, the South Americans were galvanised by that moment, and they ran in two tries in the first-half to take a 14-7 lead into the break after Selvyn Davids had scored first for South Africa.

When the underdogs scored their third try, South Africa were19-7 down and buried against all odds.

The Blitzboks were awarded a penalty try in the final minute of play, but it was too little too late.

Argentina - down to five men after a late yellow card - secured the kick-off as the hooter sounded and then cleared the ball into touch.

As the final whistle sounded, the South Africans fell to the turf in disbelief as their campaign came to an abrupt and unexpected end.

It will go down as one of the great Olympic Sevens upsets.

Source: News24

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Brazil Sun.

More Information

null in null

South America

Section

Brazil’s ex-president accused of leading illegal spy operation

BRASILIA, Brazil: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is accused of playing a key role in an illegal surveillance operation orchestrated...

Farmers exploit loophole in Amazon soy deal to clear rainforest

SANTAREM, Brazil: As Brazil cements its position as the world's top soy exporter, a new wave of deforestation is spreading across the...

PM Modi to embark on five nation-visit from July 2, attend BRICS Summit in Brazil

New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation visit from July 2, during which he will...

Update: Xi meets Ecuadorian president

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa in Beijing on Friday. Xi said...

(SP)U.S.-CHICAGO-VOLLEYBALL-NATIONS LEAGUE-MEN-CHINA VS BRAZIL

(250627) -- CHICAGO, June 27, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Qu Zongshuai of China saves the ball during the Pool 5 match between China and Brazil...

Report: Alpine mulling driver swap ahead of race at Imola

(Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images) Alpine Racing is considering replacing driver Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto for...

Business

Section