The Blitzboks arrived back in Cape Town as Dubai champions, thanks mainly to their impressive defence and breakdown work‚ which has only served to underline how far behind the 15s Boks are in these disciplines. Last week, the Blitzboks beat 12-time World Series champions New Zealand 40-0 in the quarterfinals, thanks to brilliant contact work. They did the same to Wales in the semifinal and Fiji in the final‚ which they won 26-14. Sevens rugby has evolved to the point where contact skills‚ the need to defend intelligently and to win the contest for the ball on the deck are as vital as in the longer version of the game. Blitzbok coach Neil Powell recognised this and has employed methods that former Bok breakdown coach Richie Gray instilled in the squad when he spent time with them earlier this year. Gray was deemed superfluous to Bok needs in 2016, although he continued to consult to the Blitzboks until the Olympic Games in August. Gray has since moved on to fulfil the role for Scotla...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.