Share

Horne lauds Blitbokke's spirit

Cape Town - Springbok Sevens veteran Frankie Horne lauded the team's effort over in Dubai and Port Elizabeth, but is adamant that there is still a major job to do as they aim to secure the World Series title and 2016 Olympic qualification.

There's a great spirit in the Springbok Sevens squad at the moment.

After a disappointing run at the season-opening tournament at the Gold Coast in Australia, which saw the team finish fourth, the Blitzbokke secured both Cup titles in Dubai and Port Elizabeth in great fashion. Two unbeaten runs have seen the team surge to top of the overall standings.

The run in PE was most memorable as they impressed in front of a vibrant home crowd of over 40 000 people. The fans backed the team, which created an electric atmosphere, especially in an intense final against New Zealand.

Horne commended his team-mates for wonderful collective effort.

"The past two tournaments in Dubai and PE have been amazing," Horne told MyPlayers.co.za. "To see over 40 000 people in the stands definitely motivated the team, and the guys really played well.

"We have a full buy-in to the game plan, which is balanced well on attack and defence. The whole squad deserves credit as the subs off the bench have done a great job. There aren't any passengers in this squad. The guys off the bench put in the same effort as the guys who start, and that great depth has seen us do well."

The Blitzbokke will now take a break until January 5, when they will regroup in Stellenbosch. They will also enjoy their year-end team function on Wednesday.

However, Horne has stressed that the team will be determined to come back in full swing next year.

"The past two weeks have been amazing, but the job is not done. We still have six tournaments to go," said Horne. "Last season, we had the lead on the overall standings, but we let things slip after a poor finish to the campaign.

"This season, we are determined to complete the job. We won't look too far ahead and focus on the job at hand. If you worry about things too much in advance, you will see yourself stumbling on things right in front of you.

"With Olympic qualification and the World Series title at stake, we need to be focused. We will come back aiming to build on our good form."

For more exclusive player content, check out MyPlayers.co.za

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE