Blitzboks captain Kyle Brown says he's expecting a strong showing in the Dubai leg of the Sevens World Series this weekend.
Brown has been missing in action since sustaining a serious shoulder injury in the Commonwealth Games final earlier this year, and missed the season opener on the Gold Coast.
The Blitzboks finished fourth in Australia as they went down to Samoa in the Cup semis, before losing 19-0 to England in the third place play-off. It was a disappointing result for Neil Powell's side after coming through the pool stages unbeaten.
Powell will be pleased to welcome back his skipper in Dubai, as they continue their buildup to the PE Sevens to be held next weekend at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
'Injuries are part of the game, but it was tough not to be involved,' says Brown. 'It was a lonely feeling sitting on the couch watching the guys play on the other side of the world.'
The Blitzboks have been involved in a training camp in Stellenbosch in recent weeks, and Brown believes it will help them as they look to put the disappointment of Australia behind them.
'During training at Stellenbosch you could see the guys were determined. The intensity is definitely there, and as individuals we are all looking to give something extra for the team.
'We're looking to prove that we're a quality team. We've got a lot more to achieve throughout the season.'
The Blitzboks will be without Justin Geduld and Stephan Dippenaar in Dubai, but the return of Brown and the addition of Cheslin Kolbe and Rayno Benjamin will add an extra dimension to their squad.
Blitzboks squad – Ruhan Nel, Philip Snyman, Frankie Horne, Kwagga Smith, Werner Kok, Kyle Brown (c), Branco du Preez, Rayno Benjamin, Warrick Gelant, Cecil Afrika, Seabelo Senatla, Cheslin Kolbe.
SA Dubai fixture list (Friday)
7:00am – Portugal
10:00am – Canada
2:08pm – Wales
Photo: Grant Down/BackpagePix
