Cape Town - The Dubai leg of the World Sevens Series was an event where Neil Powell’s Blitzboks produced some of their best performances, and according to one of South Africa’s standout speedsters, the recipe for those performances consisted of simple stuff: Nothing extraordinary.
Springbok Sevens scrumhalf Branco du Preez puts it all down to “trusting their processes”, “each player doing his part”, and drive.
The South Africans ended day one with three wins out of three and brushed aside Uganda on Friday.
But competition was a bit more stiff against Scotland in their second match, and although it was an encounter that the South Africans won 21-5, the Blitzboks had to work hard to stop the Scots’ early momentum to prevent them from building on a 5-0 halftime lead.
Against the USA it was no easier. But Powell’s men held on until the end to secure a perfect start to the tournament.
Well done to @wernerkok1& @Seabelo_Senatla who have been named in the @Dubai7s Dream Team ! Great effort #BlitZboom. pic.twitter.com/Vepdn9ZPEB
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) December 3, 2016
“We didn’t have the easiest of pools, so we had to fight for what we wanted. At the end of the day we just trusted our processes and each player did his part, and we walked away with the trophy,” Du Preez said.
“If one of us starts, then the other one knows it doesn’t stop there. It has to continue. We talk about a flag that has to be flown. If a guy comes off the bench then he knows he has to take over the flag and keep it high. It just has to go on.”
Against New Zealand in the quarter-finals, the Blitzboks destroyed the Kiwis 40-0.
They not only kept them scoreless, but they also dominated the New Zealanders in every aspect; breakdowns, territory, possession, you name it ... an extremely impressive feat, given the fact that fixtures between the two sides are, more often than not, close. And the outcome can seldom be predicted (in Sevens, that is).
BRANCO DU PREEZ: 'Past isn’t going to keep me back'
But on Saturday, it was a completely one-sided affair.
“I think we were ready for all the games that we played on day two. On day one we didn’t have a great day, and on day two I think we were more confident in what our roles were on the field,” Du Preez said.
“When we played against New Zealand in the quarter-final we knew exactly what we wanted to do and how to keep them out to not score tries.
“We have a good understanding between us and we know that we just need to do our job on the field.”
Winning in Dubai was particularly sweet for Du Preez, who missed out on the Rio Olympics and the first two legs (Dubai and Cape Town) last season due to injury.
“It feels good to be back on the field and to be able to contribute to the team. I know if I do my part on the field, everybody will do their part, and we will be one unit. Then we will be successful,” he said.
“Since the build-up I decided ‘okay, the Olympics are over, there’s another tournament coming up, and I’m blessed to get another opportunity to go out there and play with the team.’
That's how we roll in Ctn @CapeTown7s!! Great hospitality @tsogosun Waterfront and a colorful start to a huge week. @SteinhoffRugby.# pic.twitter.com/N9oxn46sid
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) December 5, 2016
“That was determination. I knew I could be better than what I was. The past isn’t going to keep me back. So I just focus on what’s ahead of me. ”
This weekend the Blitzboks will look to continue their winning ways in the Mother City. And despite their impressive trip to Dubai, Du Preez believes that the team can still improve their game.
But he also believes that things can only go better in front of a home crowd.
“There’s that extra oomph we can give. To play in front of your own people is going to be even better. Dubai was a stepping stone, but it can only go better. Nobody’s perfect, so we can only get better with what we have already achieved,” Du Preez said.