Blitzboks players are the real heroes, says coach Philip Snyman

It had been nine years since the Blitzboks won the Cape Town Sevens, but on Sunday the hosts were able to break their curse in the Mother City and it came as a flood of relief for coach Philip Snyman.

The Blitzboks beat France 26-14 in the final to lift the trophy which had eluded them since 2015.

“It’s really great to see the players enjoy this win,” said Snyman.

“They are the real heroes of this weekend and they played for every member of our squad who could not be on the field tonight," he said.

“We are very happy with the win, especially since everyone in the squad worked extremely hard, and I’m very proud of how they played.”

In attendance at the Cape Town Stadium, was Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi, as the team in green made their fans proud.

Following the victory, Snyman paid tribute to his troops.

The triumph moved the Blitzboks up to third after two tournaments in the new series.

Snyman said his side knew what to work on after the first tournament of the new season in Dubai last week when his side finished sixth.

“We wanted to apply more pressure on defence and then play from turnover ball, and make sure we get the ball to our playmakers on the outside as soon as possible,” he said.

“We were very clinical and only conceded two tries on the first day and we clicked into a higher gear on day two. Slow starts in the semi-final and the final made things a bit difficult, but the guys showed a lot of character to come back and win those games," he said.

“The players executed our plans to perfection this weekend and in doing so, they showed what we are capable of. They really played very well.”

@Golfhackno1

IOL Sport