@Blitzboks
Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has lauded his players after a successful HSBC Canada Sevens tournament in Vancouver, where the Blitzboks claimed the title in commanding fashion after beating Kenya 38-5 in the final.
Due to Covid-19, the 2021 World Series has been reduced to just two rounds - the second takes place in Edmonton, Canada, this coming weekend - and many of the world's top teams are not present.
With the likes of New Zealand, Fiji and Australia not participating, the Blitzboks were the overwhelming favourites and they did not disappoint, beating Spain 54-5 in the quarter finals and Great Britain 26-12 in the semi-finals.
“I am very happy and pleased with the performance the squad delivered,” said Powell. “As a coach I could not have asked for more. The most pleasing part must be the way they played for the jersey and the way they worked for each other.”
Powell’s squad featured four debutants – Ronald Brown, Christie Grobbelaar, Darren Adonis and Shaun Williams – who experienced the winning feeling in their first HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament.
“The four debutants really played well and enhanced the reputation of our SA Rugby Sevens Academy's ability to prepare players for the World Series,” said Powell. “We will have a short rest and then get our minds on our next job, in Edmonton this coming weekend.”
