The SA women’s sevens rugby team provided the highlight of the day, claiming their first victory of the tournament by beating Fiji in the playoff for 11th place on a much quieter day for Team SA at the Olympic Games in Paris, on Tuesday, 30 July, 2024.
Nadine Roos scored and converted two tries to put the South Africans up 14-0 by halftime. Captain Zintle Mpupha then added another at the start of the second half for the SA side to surge further in front.
And, while Fiji did stage something of a late comeback, it was not enough to prevent a 21-15 victory for the elated South Africans.
Mpupha was thrilled with her side’s performance.
“I think it was very important for us to finish on our high, the confidence that we can take going home and we know we can work on as well!”
Springbok Women’s Sevens Captain, Zintle Mpupha
“Just to fight to get on to the world circuit again so that we can compete as much as we can with the world circuit teams as well.”
As for her own second-half try, the captain admitted it was a long time coming.
“It was a good try, I’ve been looking for that for the whole weekend. Thanks to my teammates for supporting me and showing me where to go, and it really wouldn’t have happened if it was not for them. I’m really thankful for them.”
Springbok Women’s Sevens’ Nadine Roos
“It was like finally relief off our shoulders as well, like executing the plan as the coach told us.” Roos was also pleased with the team’s efforts.
“It’s always positive, to keep our heads high, having this nice energetic vibe to finish on such a high note, because it’s never easy to walk away from the tournament losing all five of your games,” said Roos.
“I don’t believe in luck, I believe in hard work, and that’s definitely something that the ladies showed that last two minutes. We didn’t keep ball in hand so just showing that fighting spirit that we have and playing with heart in those last two minutes and then pulling it off with a win.
“We can go back home keeping our heads high. We definitely have a lot of work-ons, as we know that in sport there’s always going to be that one per cent extra that you need to work on, but we can go with a good spirit.”
Roos added that Smith’s gold medal in the pool last night had given the entire team a lift. “Seeing Tatjana get her gold last night, it’s unbelievable, the talent that’s there in South Africa,” she said.
“I think if we just get more backing and support and resources coming our way, I surely believe you’re just going to see more talent in South Africa because we have phenomenal athletes that can really do things with heart. And that’s the thing that you can’t take away from an athlete, is the heart and passion they show.”
Meanwhile, the only other South African woman in Olympic action on Tuesday was rower Paige Badenhorst, who finished fourth in her single sculls quarterfinal. That means she’ll move into the lower bracket of the competition, contesting the C/D semifinal tomorrow.
Photo: Mimmo Perna
“I think today’s race was challenging but it also taught me a lot,” Badenhorst said afterwards.
“I’m disappointed to have not made the A/B semifinal. I came into the Games not really knowing how I compared to the other athletes. I knew I had good speeds but I wasn’t sure how I’d compare to the other single scullers.”
Single Sculls Rower, Paige Badenhorst
“So I had an idea that I’d like to be in the top 16, the top half of the pack. After the heat, I definitely felt a bit more confident in my chances of making the A/B semifinal, so I am disappointed that I didn’t make it, but the goal to be top 16 is still alive.
“Tomorrow I race the C/D semifinals where I would like to hopefully qualify for the C final, which puts me in a position to try for the 13th to 18th position overall. I’m really excited to give it another go tomorrow, see what else I can learn and then take it forward into the finals.”
Team South Africa’s Women’s Contingent and Paris 2024 Broadcast Updates
Paris 2024 Olympic Games Results on Saturday, 27 July, 2024
Paris 2024 Olympic Games Results on Sunday, 28 July, 2024
Paris 2024 Olympic Games Results on Monday, 29 July, 2024
Paris 2024 Olympic Games Results on Tuesday, 30 July, 2024
Rowing
Women’s single sculls, quarter-finals: Paige Badenhorst finished fourth in her quarter-final.
How it works: The first three from each of the four heats progress to semi-finals A/B. The remainder go through to semi-finals C/D. Badenhorst therefore will be competing for places 13th to 24th.
Rugby Sevens
Women’s 11th/12th pace playoff: Team SA 21 Fiji 15
Surfing
Women’s third round: POSTPONED Sarah Baum vs Carissa Moore
Schedule of Events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Wednesday, 31 July, 2024
Triathlon
8:00: Vicky van der Merwe
Hockey
10:30: South Africa v Great Britain
Swimming
11:00: 200m Breast Stroke Heats – Tatjana Smith (Heat 1), Kaylene Corbett (Heat 1)
Surfing
19:00: Reserve Day
Swimming
22:03: 200m Breaststroke semi-finals – Tatjana Smith (TBC), Kaylene Corbett (TBC)
Original Copy: Karien Jonckheere, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The SA women’s sevens team provided the only highlight of the day, claiming their first victory of the tournament by beating Fiji in the playoff for 11th place in France on Tuesday, 30 July, 2024. Photo: World Rugby
Photo 2 Caption: Captain Zintle Mpupha was thrilled with her side’s performance. “I think it was very important for us to finish on our high.” Photo World Rugby
Photo 3 Caption: “It was like finally relief off our shoulders as well, like executing the plan as the coach told us,” said Roos. Photo World Rugby
Photo 4 Caption: SA’s Olympic Rower Paige Badenhorst finished fourth in her single sculls quarterfinal. Photo: Mimmo Perna
Photo 5 Caption: Badenhorst races the C/D semifinals on Wednesday to qualify for the C final, in a position to try for the 13th to 18th position overall. Photo: Mimmo Perna
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