The Blitzboks will welcome the narrower Las Vegas pitch when they head into round four of the World Sevens Series this week.
Springbok Sevens captain Kyle Brown said that while some teams’ game plans are affected by the tapered pitch of Sam Boyd Stadium, it actually works for his side.
‘The narrow pitch doesn't change our tactics, we are already a defence-orientated team and that is something we thrive on, which gives us a little bit of benefit here,’ said Brown on the IRB Sevens website. ‘But because defence is so key for us, and with the pitch a bit narrower, it gives the opposition teams a little bit less space to work with and tightens the screws a bit.’
Brown missed last year's Cup win in Las Vegas through injury, but will play an important part in this weekend's tournament. Coach Neil Powell also welcomes back Seabelo Senatla into what looks to be his strongest side this season.
‘We are nurturing a strong squad back in Stellenbosch, and I don't envy the coaches that have to make that team selection,’ said Brown. 'To have guys like Jamba Ulengo at home, he has been showing some real class lately, but Rosco Speckman gets his chance and we'll ease him into the game. To have Seabelo Senatla back with that kind of gas is another bonus, but he's been out for a while too, so he's another one we want to ease in before we unleash him.’
South Africa start the tournament with pool matches against Wales, Canada and Kenya.
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