‘This game is ruthless’ – All Blacks Sevens reflect on ‘massive disappointment’ at Olympics
All Blacks Sevens captain Scott Curry described his side’s loss to South Africa in their quarter-final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris as a “massive disappointment”.
New Zealand suffered a shock 14-7 defeat against the Blitzboks which means they are out of medal contention at the Olympics.
That result is a bitter pill to swallow and what makes it worse for Curry and his team-mates is that they sealed a 17-5 victory over South Africa in their pool match on Wednesday.
A wave of emotions
“It comes in waves, one moment you think you’re alright the next you’re in tears – it’s tough,” Curry told 1News. “Sevens is so brutal, if you’re off by a little bit, you get punished.”
New Zealand were among the favourites to take home the gold medal in Paris after finishing in third position on World Rugby’s 2023/24 SVNS series, while South Africa came into the Olympics via the back door when they won the World Rugby Sevens Repechage final in Monaco last month to claim the last spot in the men’s tournament at the Games.
“We have to give credit to South Africa, they scrambled so well, we made some half breaks but they shut us down,” said Curry.
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The veteran sevens star admitted that there was a sombre mood in the New Zealand camp but they will aim to finish with strong performances in their remaining matches in Paris.
“You never know when your last chance is to put that black jersey on,” said the 36-year-old. “I just cherish every time I get that opportunity and I’ve got two more chances this weekend.”
Early errors prove costly
Meanwhile, All Blacks Sevens coach Tomasi Cama bemoaned costly errors from his charges especially early on which allowed South Africa to take a 14-0 lead at half-time.
“The game is ruthless, in finals footy you can’t hesitate, you have to be decisive and take opportunities,” he said.
“When the opportunities were there we created errors or weren’t patient enough to build phases and create another opportunity.”