Coach Neil Powell has attributed the Blitzboks’ success at the Sydney Sevens to the players’ ability to focus on themselves instead of the opposition.

Playing in their fourth consecutive final in as many World Rugby Sevens Series events this season, the Blitzboks beat England 29-14 to be crowned champions in Sydney and in the process clinch a third overall title this season.

REPORT: Blitzboks triumph in Sydney

The only blemishes on their near-perfect campaign to date is the Cup final defeat to England at the Cape Town Sevens last December and the 21-15 loss against the same opponents in a pool encounter in Sydney on Saturday.

‘Yes, our two defeats this season came against England, but this time our focus was right. We decided to focus on what we need to do and not so much on what we expect England to do,’ said Powell. ‘We decided what we wanted out of the game and the guys kept their focus. We controlled the game from the first minute to the last and that is very pleasing.

‘I am very happy with the performance today, especially the way we turned it around from yesterday. I was a bit worried after yesterday, as we did not play well, but now I am very pleased and proud.

‘It was also pleasing beating England the way we did in the final,’ he added.

It was also the first time a Blitzboks team managed to win back-to-back titles in Australasia, which Powell says is a real feather in the cap for the squad.

‘It is always going to be special to win the double. Not many teams have achieved that, so it feels good. Another pleasing aspect for me is the fact that we are winning finals. Last year we only won one of four and so far three of four. We wanted to make a mind shift there and it seems to work at the moment.’

Powell was quick shift the credit bestowed on him for the team’s success, saying the structures and systems within the squad helped them.

‘It had to be a team effort and the whole squad contributed. That is important in our culture, that no one is more important than the other, but that we need to work together for each other. Everyone has a role to play and to make a contribution and we needed a good system effort. Nothing will change with regards to that.’

VIDEO: Blitzboks vs England (2017 Sydney Sevens Cup final)

He adds that good management of players and the introduction of new ones will be high on the agenda before the next tournament as they need to replace Kwagga Smith and Seabelo Senatla, who are joining the Lions and Stormers for the Super Rugby competition.

‘We need to find replacements for Kwagga and Seabelo and will get some youngsters in. In three weeks’ time we will be in Las Vegas already, so we will have to manage the guys well in the next couple of week,’ he revealed.

Powell called on his charges for continued consistency during the remaining six tournaments, which he believes is the only way they can win the world series.

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