Blitzboks Hong Kong Sevens

Werner Kok on his way to score his 100th try in the World Rugby Sevens Series. PHOTO: David van der Sandt? SA RUGBY

Physicality the key to Blitzboks Hong Kong Sevens campaign

The Blitzboks brought their A game on Saturday to see off the challenges of Scotland and Samoa.

Blitzboks Hong Kong Sevens

Werner Kok on his way to score his 100th try in the World Rugby Sevens Series. PHOTO: David van der Sandt? SA RUGBY

Blitzboks assistant coach Renfred Dazel feels that physicality has been and will continue to be the key to the team’s success at the Hong Kong Sevens.

South Africa came through a tough group unbeaten having seen off Japan on day one before scoring wins over Scotland and Samoa on Saturday.

The Blitzboks now face the prospect of a meeting with Sevens series leaders the USA in the quarterfinals in Hong Kong.

“We had some hiccups in our game plan against Japan and even Scotland, but it went well against Samoa. We needed to be physical against them, did that and therefor managed to top the pool. We are pleased with that performance,” said Dazel.

“We need to recover well overnight. Day three of a tournament is always taxing on the body, so we need to make sure we get back here tomorrow well prepared.”

Werner Kok has scored three tries in the tournament so far moving past 100 total in the Sevens series. Typically the versatile back was keen to deflect any praise sent his way back onto the team as a whole.

“I was just at the right place at the right time. I enjoy playing in the forwards and it is easy if everyone contributes.”

Kok said the USA match will be a tough one. “They are a tough side to play, but if we recover well we can give it our best shot on Sunday.”

Against Scotland, it took all of six minutes for the Blitzboks to score as the Scots proved hard to crack. A try by Selvyn Davids was quickly followed by one from Stedman Gans to hand South Africa a 14-0 lead at the break.

An early try in the second half, by Ryan Oosthuizen, pushed the lead out to 21 points before Branco du Preez extended the lead with a try in the corner.

Hong Kong Sevens quarterfinals are (SA times)

04h48: South Africa v USA

05h20: Fiji v Argentina

05h42: England v Samoa

06h07: NZ v France