It’s no gain without the pain

MARK BENNETT is prepared to play through the pain barrier to strike gold with Scotland.

The 21-year-old is part of the Rugby Sevens squad that will open their campaign against New Zealand at Ibrox.

He was capped by his country for the first time at the end of last year.

Playing in South Africa at the Port Elizabeth tournament was a real eye-opener for the Glasgow Warriors centre.

He said:“I’d played some agegroup Sevens during my youth in Cumnock but that was nothing like playing at the top level.

“It’s a lot more individual compared to the 15-man game.

“If you make a mistake, you’re letting the side down. “That’s the way it has to be. “You have to be accountable and there’s a lot of emphasis on individual skills.

“The main difference has to be the fitness required.

“You’re covering a lot of ground very quickly and it’s very physically demanding.

Mark Bennett. “Most of the contact is at a higher pace and you’re really sore afterwards.

“It’s difficult playing three games in one day.

“The first time I played Sevens for Scotland was a real culture shock.

“I woke up on Sunday morning in South Africa having played three games on the Saturday and couldn’t believe I had to play again.

“It was a bit of a fright, but now that I’ve played a few times I’ve got my head round it.

“It’s more or a mental challenge than anything else.”

The Scots are in Pool A with New Zealand, Canada and Barbados.

Mark is convinced a home crowd can lift the players to new heights.

He went on:“I’m sure we’re going to win a medal and the aim has to be gold.

“No Scottish side has beaten New Zealand before and we’re aiming to be the first.

“We face them in our opening game and the impact on us and the crowd would be huge if we can achieve a victory.

“Playing in front of a packed football stadium at Ibrox will be something special.”