Blitzboks eager for Olympic redemption after mixed performance in Spain

The Blitzboks outplayed Australia in their first match on Sunday, but were pipped by Ireland in the fifth-place play-off and according to interim head coach Philip Snyman, their lack of consistency was clear to see, adding that they mixed good and bad over the last three days.

"We are disappointed in winning only one of five matches â- we worked hard and came close," said Snyman.

"We were two seconds away from beating Ireland in the pool match, but conceded possession and they went on to score the winning points.

"Against New Zealand, we were ahead with 30 seconds to go, conceded possession and they went to score the winning points. So, it is close, but we are just not quite where we want or need to be."

The Blitzbok coach highlighted their breakdown play and first time tackling as the main areas of improvement if they want to be successful in Monaco later this month in the winner-takes-all Olympic repechage tournament.

"We were shown up in those two areas in Madrid," he said. "Teams have picked this up and are targeting us in those areas, so we need to focus on that in the next couple of weeks."

Snyman is adamant that the season, which delivered one tournament win in Dubai and a seventh-place finish overall, can still be rescued with Olympic glory:

"We are getting there," he said. "It is frustrating that we undo five good things with three poor executions and losing games because of that. The focus for Monaco will be those areas and to eliminate those errors from our game."

Snyman said the time for learning is over: "We must realise we have one more opportunity and if we stuff up in Monaco, that will be it. It is time for us to deliver."

READ MORE: Improved Blitzboks finish strong in Spain to claim sixth