Team GB will continue their quest for Olympic gold in the rugby sevens semi final against South Africa this evening.
The team’s quarter final against Argentina yesterday was perhaps the most dramatic game of the men’s rugby sevens tournament so far, and GB will look to carry on the momentum of Dan Bibby’s extra-time try into today’s clash.
Putney’s Bibby has been one of the star performers, along with Wandsworth-based Tom Mitchell and Weybridge’s Marcus Watson in the tournament so far.
In both matches yesterday, the British team were very impressive, blowing away New Zealand in the first half before defending doggedly through the second half and the entirety of the Argentinian match.
The South Africans are, on paper, the toughest side they’ve yet to face in Rio.
The Springboks are reigning Commonwealth Champions and occupy second position in the Rugby sevens World Series standings.
The clash with the Springboks, scheduled for 7pm today, will decide which medal match the Brits will take part in later this evening.
They could face gold medal favourites Fiji or Japan — who have shocked the tournament with victories over New Zealand and France.
On the prospect of facing South Africa, Bibby said: “We take each game as it comes no matter who we are playing.
“We have shown real Team GB spirit and regardless of where we are from, we have become a really tight unit.”
