Dylan Bettencourt
Stand-in Blitzboks captain Zain David said the sevens rugby team will leave the Commonwealth Games delighted with their performances in England.
The South African side dominated the sevens section of the Games to emerge 31-7 victors of Fiji in the final on Sunday night.
“We came out here and gave our all. We can be happy with that performance playing against a great team like Fiji,” Davids said after the final.
The Blitzboks scored five tries against Fiji, totally dominating one of the best sevens sides in the world.
Regular captain Siviwe Soyizwapi could not take part in Sunday’s action as he was diagnosed with concussion the day before.
Coach Neil Powell, who leaves the Blitzboks after the Rugby Sevens World Cup in September, said he was really proud of the team.
“They put in a massive effort not only in the final but all six games over the weekend,” he said.
“The guys really worked hard in the build-up to this tournament, and I’m glad they got rewarded for it, showing once again that although hard work doesn’t necessarily guarantee success, it’s part of success.”
The triumph could not have come at a better time for the Blitzboks who will host the Rugby Sevens World Cup in September in Cape Town.
“For our confidence, it was important for us to deliver a good performance here, especially after what happened in London, and to get some momentum and belief back,” Powell said.
“Hopefully the belief we got from this tournament will carry us to Los Angeles and then the World Cup.”
Image source: @Blitzboks
