Kyle Brown says the Blitzboks are focused on bouncing back at the Hamilton Sevens after a ‘poor’ performance in Sydney.
South Africa were thrashed 29-0 by Australia in last Sunday’s Cup final, although they did pick up enough points to return to the top of the Sevens Series standings.
‘Australia were fantastic, but we were really poor,’ said Brown. ‘Maybe the moment was too big for us, but the fact is that we had some great matches during the tournament, such as the semi-final against the USA.
‘That is the type of performance we want to replicate this weekend. We like to judge ourselves on our own effort and we did not implement that in the final. That will drive us this weekend.’
Brown will captain the team in New Zealand this weekend, with Philip Snyman missing the tournament through injury. The 30-year-old led the Blitzboks for a number of seasons but stood down for the 2016-17 season.
‘There are a good couple of leaders in the squad, and a great bunch of guys, so I am pleased to lead them,’ said Brown.
‘In fact, leading the team will not be the most difficult part of taking over from Philip. It would rather be on the field where he adds that something extra. He is ruthless on the ground and on defence and whoever takes over from him in the starting line-up will have big shoes to fill this weekend.’
Snyman’s place in the squad has been taken by Zain Davids, while Muller du Plessis has been called up as the 13th man as Ruhan Nel will also miss the tournament through injury.
‘I am happy for Muller, who was still at school last year, as we are looking to build depth in the group. He and Zain will be keen to slot in, but they only arrive in the early hours of the morning and the field session tomorrow will be testing for them for sure.
‘The guys are flushed out and we will train as a squad tomorrow, which will get the focus back. As will the defence session on Thursday. The series have become just so unpredictable and we are expecting more of the same this weekend.’
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