Team man Gans thrilled to be back
AFTER missing out on the first two legs of the 2018/19 World Sevens Series due to injury, it’s probably safe to say that Stedman Gans will be determined to do a lot of things right in Hamilton this weekend.
And according to the 21-year-old, that all begins and ends with doing his best to contribute to the team.
A hand injury prevented the playmaker from participating in the opening tournament in Dubai, where the team ended sixth, and Cape Town, where they stepped up to third place.
The Blitzboks have done well in New Zealand in recent years, having finished as runners-up in Wellington in 2014 and 2016, and winning the inaugural Hamilton tournament in 2017. Coach Neil Powell’s men also made it into the final last year.
But this is a very different team to the one that gave Fiji a go in the Cup final in New Zealand in 2018.
Regardless of the challenge, Gans knows what is expected of him, and stepping up to that is his first priority.
“It is great to be back as it’s always such an honour to play for this team and to represent our country,” said Gans.
“I worked hard to get back to full fitness again, so it is pleasing to be back on the field playing,” he added.
“This trip is all about contributing to the team. It is not about me at all.
“As happy as I am to be back and playing, the focus for me will be on doing what the team needs of me. We all have a role to play and I am very determined to do mine as best I can.”
Gans also reiterated Powell’s words when he spoke about the “no excuses” mindset the South Africans have applied to the Hamilton tournament.
“We actually decided a year or two ago to name this leg of the World Series the ‘No Excuses Tour’,” said Gans.
“Coach Neil Powell said to us we can complain about the time zone disturbance and the long hours on the road, or we can embrace the challenge and get the job done. The first time we followed that approach, the team won in Wellington and last year we did very well in Hamilton as well.
“So the same approach applies this time around. Yes, it is the biggest turnaround for us when it comes to time zones during the series, but we will not allow that to impact on us.”