CAPE TOWN - Blitzbok stars Werner Kok and Cecil Afrika are enjoying the bright city lights of Las Vegas, but they want to shine even brighter on the field during this weekend’s Vegas Sevens.
And Kok will be especially excited to play in the Nevada desert, as the hard-working speedster missed last year’s Vegas leg of the World Sevens Series due to injury.
Kok, who was part pf the Springbok Sevens team that won in Vegas in 2014, should be eager to get going at the Sam Boyd Stadium and help the Blitzboks to a fourth tournament win in five legs.
“I missed out last year, but this week realised again what an amazing place Las Vegas is,” said Kok.
“More importantly though, is the vibe around the tournament and I cannot wait to get started. I have very good memories here. It is an awesome tournament and I love playing here.”
The World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year of 2015 picked up an early calf strain in Sydney last month and missed the play-offs and subsequent tournament victory, so he is keen to add another tournament medal to his already impressive tally.
“It is never nice to miss out on a tournament, but luckily that niggle is sorted out and I am feeling fresh and ready to go,” said Kok, who will be playing in his 24th tournament for the Blitzboks and third in Las Vegas.
Afrika, who is also back to full fitness, complimented the structures of the Sevens set-up and the high standards it demands from the players.
“It is great to be back with the guys, especially after missing out on those back-to-back wins in Wellington and Sydney. What struck me immediately was how trusted our structures are. I slotted in immediately,” Africa said.
The playmaker is South Africa’s leading point -scorer in the World Rugby Sevens Series (1 167 points in 47 tournaments), but realises that his starting berth for the first match against Canada on Friday is far from secure, with Justin Geduld excelling in this role in Wellington and Sydney.
“Yes, Justin was fantastic in those two tournaments and one has to congratulate him on that,” said Afrika.
“He played very well, but that is a healthy thing in the squad. Players push each other all the time and I think that contributes to our combined effort as a team.
“Injuries are part of the game and the nice thing about rugby is that it gives another player a chance to show his worth. Justin certainly showed that.”
Afrika, himself a former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year (2011), will be playing in his seventh Las Vegas tournament and is keen to contribute again.
“I am happy to be fit again and want to go out there, have fun and do my part for the team,” he said. “It is the best time out there, when you are playing with your brothers, representing your country.”
The Blitzboks are currently leading the World Rugby Sevens Series standings after four tournaments.
The top five teams in the standings are:
1 South Africa - 85 points
2 England - 68
3 Fiji - 64
4 New Zealand - 56
5 Scotland - 45