Blitzboks hit NZ with new faces
FORMIDABLE: ROOKIE SKIPPER HAS FAITH IN HIS TEAM
Several challenges await the Springbok Sevens team at the New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton this weekend, when the third of 10 tournaments in the World Rugby Sevens Series kicks off on Saturday morning (SA time) at FMG Stadium, Waikato.
The format of the tournament has changed from recent years, with only the top team in each pool going into the semifinals, while the combination with the women’s tournament will also see an extended rest period between matches.
Furthermore, the Blitzboks travelled to New Zealand with five players taking a first bite of the current series, and a new captain in Stedman Gans.
They also face formidable foes in Japan, England and Kenya in a competitive Pool B.
But for Gans, it all adds to the motivation of the individual and the squad.
He attended the traditional captain’s photoshoot yesterday at the iconic Hamilton Gardens and admitted it was a proud moment for him.
“I saw so many of these pictures in the past and never realised that I would be featuring in it myself in future,” said Gans.
“It was a massive feeling, standing amongst some great captains and great teams that will play on the weekend.”
For Gans the responsibility of filling some big shoes comes with a feeling of pride.
“I came into the team when Kyle Brown and then Philip Snyman were the captains and last year, Siviwe Soyizwapi took over,” he said. “They are great people and great players and I learned a lot from them, on and off the field.
“It is big shoes to fill, but the examples set were great, so I know what to do.
“I am lucky to have some very experienced players around me.
“Branco du Preez and Chris Dry are the two most capped Blitzboks ever and Cecil Afrika is the leading points scorer of all time. And they are playing next to me this weekend.
“It will help a lot as I can focus on my role as a player without having to worry about the rest of the guys.”
Gans admitted the scrapping of the quarterfinals will add an edge to the tournament and require a strong mindset from the players.
“We are lucky we already have a system in place that does not look too far ahead – we believe in the first game on the first day and adjust from there,” said Gans.
“It means we only focus on that first match, as that needs to lay the foundation for the remainder of the tournament.
“We are also not results driven, but rather believe that if we execute well and stay within our structures the result will look after itself.
“That will ease the pressure, no doubt.”