Blitzboks look forward not back

WHAT happened in Vancouver should stay in Vancouver. Those were Blitzbok coach Neil Powell’s thoughts ahead of the Hong Kong leg of the World Sevens Series ... well, sort of.

Last month, the Blitzboks won their first Vancouver title after playing in their first final of the 2018/19 season.

And while Powell said the team gained good momentum from their success in North America, he wants a “fresh start” against Japan today.

“There are a couple of changes and a total of four new players from the Vancouver tournament and that considered, I am happy with the way things went,” said Powell.

“That win will not mean anything here in Hong Kong,” said Powell.

“It did help with the belief and was good reward for the work done up to that point. It gave the squad some momentum. We start afresh here in Hong Kong though and all focus will be on delivering a performance we can be proud of in our first match against Japan.”

Powell made two significant changes to the squad for the trip; moving Werner Kok to the forwards and including the uncapped Angelo Davids.

And as has been the case throughout the season, Powell said the focus will be on individual and team development.

“They need to understand their roles and responsibilities in the team, so we did focus a bit on that,” explained Powell.

“The most pleasing aspect about the win last time was the development of individual players into the team environment and the development of the team in executing our processes.

“If we can continue making progress in that regard I will be a happy coach.”