SA Rugbymag

South African rugby news, fixtures, results, video, interviews, and more. Covering the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers/Western Province, Sharks, Cheetahs, Kings and Lions, as well as schools and club rugby.

Primary Menu Search
  • Home
  • Match Centre
  • British & Irish Lions
  • Videos
  • Supabets
  • You are here: Home ∼ Kok: Strength in depth did it for Blitzboks

    Kok: Strength in depth did it for Blitzboks

    Werner Kok with Muller du Plessis, JC Pretorius & Sako Makata Werner_Kok_Muller_du_Plessis_JC_Pretorius_Sako_Makata_Blitzboks
    Published on March 3, 2020

    Werner Kok has attributed the Blitzboks’ stunning 29-24 LA Sevens Cup final win over Fiji to great depth in the Springbok Sevens set-up.

    Down 19-0 at one point and needing to score two tries in the last 30 seconds of the match, the Blitzboks completed a miracle comeback to stun Fiji 29-24 to be crowned LA Sevens champions.

    #MondayMorningMotivation brought to you by the #Blitzboks pic.twitter.com/X8IV4hPAym

    — Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) March 2, 2020

    It was truly a team effort with both veterans and youngsters making valuable contributions to get over the line.

    Reflecting on what transpired in Los Angeles, Kok – who played in his 50th World Sevens Series tournament and was also part of the team who launched a similar comeback against the same opposition in Singapore last year – praised the high-quality player pool at coach Neil Powell’s disposal.

    ‘Our depth is amazing – we have so many young players in the system who are playing so well,’ Kok said.

    ‘We had some very experienced guys in the squad, such as Branco du Preez, Chris Dry, Cecil Afrika and myself, but the younger players’ talents are amazing. They are really playing well and the results are there to prove it.’

    At the moment, the Springbok Sevens team is without the services of veterans Seabelo Senatla, Rosko Specman, Dylan Sage, Ruhan Nel and Kwagga Smith, who all made the switch to 15s rugby, as well as Siviwe Soyizwapi, Justin Geduld (both injured) and Zain Davids (rested). South Africa also lost former captains Kyle Brown and Philip Snyman in quick succession in recent months, with the duo retiring from the game.

    And yet, the Blitzboks remain one of the top-three most consistent teams in the world, along with New Zealand and Fiji, both teams who have yet to proof they can deal with such a massive player drain.

    Kok believes the youngsters who have been elevated from the academy to the senior squad have proven that they belong and can hold their own against the best teams in the world.

    ‘These younger guys are all keen to be part of the squad for the Olympic Games and they are really laying down a marker. That is good news, not only for the Olympics, but also the rest of the World Series,’ said Kok.

    It has become a bit of a tradition to celebrate a win in the US with @inandoutburger. A double double. With a shake. A bit of indulging but for now we enjoy the moment. Tomorrow it will be back to work again for @CanadaSevens . pic.twitter.com/iwraTpuXQ4

    — Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) March 2, 2020


    Photo: @Blitzboks/Twitter

    Posted in Blitzboks, News, Sevens, Top headlines Tagged blitzboks, Fiji, Los Angeles Sevens, New Zealand, sevens, Werner Kok, World Sevens Series

    Post by SA Rugby magazine

    SA Rugby magazine




    ← Previous Next →

    Playing selector: Six Bok bolters for Lions series

    As the British & Irish Lions series looms, CRAIG LEWIS picks six...

    Column: JP Pietersen was a modern-day Rolls-Royce

    JP Pietersen retired without much fanfare, but his impact on the game...

    Column: Rhule’s La Rochelle resurgence is a compelling story

    Raymond Rhule was dropped by the Springboks for his defensive frailties and...

    Terblanche column: Looking after the little guys

    SA Rugby needs a new business model to benefit the big franchises...

    Local coaches facing new challenges

    South Africa’s franchise coaches face a player management challenge in a hectic...

    Powell appointment would be a Sharks masterstroke

    Blitzboks coach Neil Powell will sharpen the teeth of the Sharks’ attacking...

    Top six: Best and worst foreign imports

    SARugbymag.co.za identifies six of the best and worst foreign players to play...

    Column: When context is needed

    As highlighted by the Argentina controversy, ‘cancel culture’ needs a spoonful of...

    Dark cloud hangs over WP Rugby

    The problems at Western Province Rugby are layered, and everyone involved needs...

    From the mag: Foreign Favourites

    As Vodacom Super Rugby turned 25 this year, JON CARDINELLI picks an...

    Bulls rookies to watch

    After a massive exodus of players the Vodacom Bulls will be eager...

    Analysis: The new suffocate-and-strangle game

    For the Boks to emerge as World Cup winners, they need to...

    VIEW MORE


    COVID-19 Corona Virus
    South African Resource Portal

    ABOUT

    • Contact us
    • Competitions
    • Videos
    • Player Features
    • Subscribe
    • Terms and conditions

    TOURNAMENTS

      • Rugby Championship
      • Super Rugby
      • Currie Cup
      • Varsity Cup
      • Gold Cup
      • Schools
      • Six Nations
      • Champions Cup
      • World Cup

    OPINION

    • Mallett on SuperSport
    • Cardinelli column
    • Lewis column
    • Xabanisa column
    • Borchardt column
    • Superbru

    Primary Menu

    • Home
    • Match Centre
    • British & Irish Lions
    • Videos
    • Supabets