Dewald Human says he is satisfied with the Blitzboks’ growth during the first two tournaments of the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Having finished a disappointing sixth at the Dubai Sevens, the Blitzboks came third in Cape Town last weekend. The hosts suffered a last-minute defeat to Fiji in their semi-final and then beat New Zealand in the bronze medal match.
With a number of Blitzbok stalwarts picking up injuries over the weekend, the next generation of players may be thrust into the spotlight again as the team sets its sights on the next two tournaments in New Zealand and Australia.
The past weekend provided more exposure for a number of the players, with six – Muller du Plessis, Human, Selwyn Davids, Zain Davids, Impi Visser and Ryan Oosthuizen – making a first appearance in the Mother City.
The young guns excelled yet again, with the likes of Human and Davids showing that they are willing and able to join Cecil Afrika and Branco du Preez – both with more than 60 tournaments of experience – and Justin Geduld in the playmaking role sooner rather than later.
WATCH: Seven top Cape Town Sevens tries
Human, who captained the Blitzboks to Hong Kong earlier this year, said they accept that playing opportunities could be few and far between, and realise the importance of grabbing the opportunity when offered.
‘I am back-up to Rosko Specman and he is world class,’ Human said. ‘So the challenge will be to make sure I can play at that level when my chance comes.
‘We are improving as a team and that is as important, if not more, than me improving as a player.
‘We work hard to get the results and although we just missed out in Cape Town, I think we are satisfied with the growth we showed in the first two weeks of competition.’
