SYDNEY – The Springbok Sevens team arrived in Australia in Monday, determined to improve on their effort in Hamilton, where they finished fourth in the HSBC New Zealand Sevens, according to Blitzbok midfielder Werner Kok.
The Blitzboks are fourth overall on the World Rugby Sevens Series log and Kok said they will continue to look for improvement as the series progresses, while they want to put in an effort this weekend at the Sydney Sevens that will make the team and the country proud.
“We need to forget about Hamilton and start afresh here in Sydney,” said Kok. “We have to clear the minds, warm the hearts and make sure South Africa is proud of us at the end of the weekend. We have a week to fix things and we to use the time to do that.”
Kok admitted that they have lost a lot of experience, but he believes that the effort and output of the Blitzbok team should always be at the same level, regardless of the personnel.
“There are fewer experienced players in the squad this time around, but that does not change our attitude of making the country proud,” said Kok.
“The quality of players such as Rosko Specman, Ruhan Nel and Dylan Sage were undisputed and you don't replace players like them overnight. It does not have to be a deterrent to the younger players though.
“You train hard, hoping to get the chance once an experienced player is not there anymore. That is the opportunity for the next guy.”
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Kok had stern advice to the squad after the Hamilton tournament: “It was disappointing how we played at times. Some basics were not adhered to and that is something you cannot do.
“It is about the squad, but it will start with each individual taking ownership of the mistakes and then going out there to rectify it and make sure that it does not happen again,” he said.
But for now, they are looking towards the Sydney tournament and the rest of the series: “It is still early in the series, but we need to start stepping up.”
The Blitzboks face Australia, Argentina and Tonga in Pool D of the event to be held at Spotless Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.