The Blitzboks' social media team and fans were clearly outraged by the decision to suspend Selvin Davids during the Hong Kong SVNS.
Davids was suspended for three games for a tackle in the 26-7 Pool C win over Samoa.
Justin Geduld was also suspended for an incident in a pool stage match, but David's suspension came under fire after he posted the tackle that triggered the Blitzboks on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). is inviting.
Selvin Davids suspended
“David has been suspended for three games for this tackle against Samoa. He will miss the rest of the tournament,” reads the caption on the Blitzboks' official account, along with a clip of the tackle.
David was suspended for three games for this tackle against Samoa. He will miss the rest of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/x7BD4phJIs
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) April 6, 2024
It is highly unusual for an official account to post a clip of an incident leading to a suspension, but the Blitzboks appear to have been unhappy with the decision, similar to what Springbok manager Rassie Erasmus did in 2022. , casually expressed it on social media.
South African fans were clearly unhappy with this decision.
Respected journalist Brenden Nel responded: “It's really hard to look at this and not think, oh my god.”
Fellow journalist Craig Rae added: “I fully understand the safety and welfare of players, but based on this view, this suspension is not good for rugby.”
Fans agreed, with one adding: This is a stupid decision. ” another said sarcastically. A fierce tackle from Davids. I'm sure all of Samoa will be sent to counseling after that. ”
South Africa won all three of their pool stage matches, defeating Ireland 22-17 and Spain 24-10 before defeating Samoa.
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Depleted numbers are no excuse
However, they lost to Australia 0-15 in the quarterfinals.
South Africa lost three players against Australia due to injuries to Ronald Brown and Davids, with Geduld suspended.
Stand-in captain Zane Davids said there was no excuse for playing on a weakened team.
“We're training hard back in Stellenbosch and we're incorporating scenarios like this into our sessions,” Davids said.
“We weren't good enough in this game and it's very disappointing. We didn't perform to 100% of our potential. That was our problem, not the numbers.”
He added: “We've talked a lot in the huddle now and we all acknowledge that we weren't playing to our standards and that the game against Fiji gave us changes to correct that.'' '' he added. So tomorrow I'll be stronger. ”
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