Blitzboks start defence of world title
THE time for talking is over and the Blitzboks will have to start from scratch as they aim for a positive start to the defence of their HSBC World Sevens Series crown in Dubai today.
They meet Uganda in their opening match of the tournament and follow that with clashes against Kenya and Canada.
The Canadians were one of the most improved teams on the circuit last season‚ winning their first World Series event in Singapore along the way.
Canada in particular pose a danger as they play a physical style of Sevens rugby similar to England’s. The English were a nemesis for the Blitzboks this year, beating them in four of their six meetings.
The Blitzboks will also sport a new kit with a camouflage motif‚ but despite their best efforts to go unseen‚ they are a team with a metaphorical target on their backs.
And the chasing pack‚ spearheaded by England and Fiji‚ aims to knock them off the top spot.
Dubai has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for the Blitzboks and their pool is relatively easy in terms of reaching the cup quarterfinals.
They have won four times in Dubai‚ including last year.
“A strong start here will give us confidence and momentum going into our home tournament in Cape Town next weekend‚ so we will be looking to build a solid foundation here‚” coach Neil Powell said.
“It will be a bonus for us if we achieve the results‚ but the focus will be on the way we play and execute.”
The tournament also marks the start of a manic seven months that will include the Commonwealth Games and Sevens World Cup – a season that will test the depth and consistency of all the teams.
“We are aiming to be successful in all three [competitions]‚” Powell said.
“Each of those will have unique challenges‚ so we will have to treat each on its merits.
“It is a long season and we will be looking to rotate players to keep everyone fresh.”
Bruising forward Tim Agaba‚ who missed the bulk of last season through injury‚ could play his 50th game for the Blitzboks against Uganda.
“We will keep our feet on the ground and keep on working hard. If we stick to our standards‚ everything else will take care of itself,” he said
For marauding forward Kwagga Smith‚ who enjoyed a stellar season with the Lions in 15s, Dubai is awash with happy memories.
“Dubai was fairly significant as it was where it all started for the Blitzboks‚ getting the win and starting the season on a winning note‚” Smith said.