Share

Blitzbokke out to finish strong

Cape Town - Injured Blitzbokke captain Kyle Brown has joined coach Neil Powell in encouraging the team to finish the Sevens World Series on a high note this coming weekend at the London Sevens.
 
The South Africans are currently 19 points behind New Zealand and will be looking for a strong performance to cap off a good season and to consolidate second spot on the World Series standings.
 
The Blitzbokke have so far managed to reach five Cup finals this season and emerged victorious in the Port Elizabeth and Las Vegas tournaments.
 
Unfortunately for the team, however, they have suffered another injury setback with the withdrawal of versatile Stephan Dippenaar due to a knee injury. WJ Strydom, who has two World Series tournaments under his belt, has been named as a replacement.
 
Furthermore, the team will be without the services of the experienced Brown (recovering from the concussion he suffered in Hong Kong) and Cecil Afrika (groin strain).
 
Last week in Glasgow the team lost in the Plate semi-final and they will thus have extra motivation to deliver a much improved performance at Twickenham where a sell-out crowd of 70 000 spectators will watch the first day’s play at the home of English rugby.
 
Meanwhile, Brown was on Wednesday named as one of four players shortlisted for the 2014 IRB Sevens Player of the Year Award following his consistently superb performances this season.
 
The regular Blitzbokke skipper had a special message for his team-mates on the eve of the season finale in London: “It has been a wonderful season thus far and I’m very excited to see the guys close out the season well,” said Brown.
 
“It is never easy watching from the couch, but seeing the team run onto the field gets the pulse racing every time, so I'm looking forward to the weekend," added Brown.
 
Blitzbokke coach, Neil Powell, said his players are determined to play much better in London.
 
“Every player is determined and motivated to lift his game to the standards which saw us reach all those Cup finals and secure tournament victories in Port Elizabeth and Las Vegas,” explained Powell.
 
“The guys want to show their pride for the jersey and play better for themselves, the team and their supporters.”
 
The Blitzbokke squad for the London Sevens (World Series tournaments in brackets):

1. Chris Dry (36 caps)
2. Philip Snyman (23)
3. Frankie Horne (captain, 58)
4. Jamba Ulengo (12)
5. Werner Kok (8)
6. Shaun Adendorff (1)
7. Branco du Preez (31)
8. WJ Strydom (2)
9. Justin Geduld (12)
10. Mark Richards (9)
11. Kwagga Smith (5)
12. Seabelo Senatla (9)
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!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 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