Blitzboks need to make Toulouse Sevens semis to keep Olympic dreams on track

With two tournaments left in this year's World Rugby Sevens Series, the Blitzboks have it all to do to qualify for the Olympic Games.

Come the weekend at the Toulouse Sevens, they will approach the tournament as an Olympic trial, says coach Sandile Ngcobo.

Currently seventh in the standings, the Blitzboks need to reach the semi-finals this weekend to stay in the race for automatic qualification for the Olympic Games. 

New Zealand and hosts France have already secured their tickets to Paris 2024, with the three remaining spots to be filled over the next two weekends. 

Argentina can qualify by making the semi-finals, and Fiji can secure their spot by winning the tournament, so South Africa have it all to play for, which Ngcobo acknowledged.

The South Africans are drawn in Pool C with France, Fiji and the USA.

"We had a good look at who we are playing in our pool and realised that it is actually a carbon copy of what can happen at the Olympics," said Ngcobo.

"Considering next year's Games, our Pool C is a 'mini-Olympics' of its own. Our first game on Friday is against France, who will host next year and is hosting here in Toulouse. They will have massive home support in their opening match, and we expect no favours.

"There will be no other team more motivated to beat you than France, and we have them first up on Friday.

"Our second game is against Fiji, the double Olympic gold medal winners, who will be very eager to confirm their qualification status by winning the tournament. Again, we will be tested like no other by their style of play and their desire to do well."

The USA awaits on Saturday.

"They are also not guaranteed qualification, and few teams will be so motivated by making it to the Olympics like the USA, as they are