Blitzboks star Ricardo Duarttee scores in Dubai.

Blitzboks star Ricardo Duarttee scores his first try in Dubai. Image: @Blitzboks/Twitter.

Blitzboks stats: Tricky Ricky headlined the Dubai show

Ricardo Duarttee made dream start to career on Sevens Series circuit as he inspired the Blitzboks to a stirring title win at the Dubai Sevens.

by Mariette Adams

05-12-2022 09:02

in Sevens

Blitzboks star Ricardo Duarttee scores his first try in Dubai. Image: @Blitzboks/Twitter.

Ricardo Duarttee made a dream start to career on the Sevens Series circuit as he inspired the Blitzboks to a stirring Cup title win at the Dubai Sevens.

The Dubai Sevens Trophy fitted nicely in Duarttee’s arms as he walked around the Blitzboks changeroom at the completion of the second round of the World Rugby Sevens Series. He was smiling, crying and shaking his head, taking in a remarkable debut for the Springbok Sevens team.

ALSO READ: Record-breaking Blitzboks clinch historic Dubai title

Duarttee enjoyed the perfect start to his sevens career.

He scored four tries, including a brace versus Samoa and kicked five conversions after he had to take over the kicking duties from the injured Dewald Human.

“I had free rein almost, coach Stix (Sandile Ngcobo) told me to go out there and enjoy myself, but not to forget the basics. I did just that,” said the new Blitzboks star as the realities of the win sank in for the squad who needed this win in a big way.

“There was no pressure because of what the coach told me. I know it’s going to become tougher from here on in, but I will also get better the more I play. I’m so thankful for this opportunity. Now Cape Town awaits,” the Blitzboks rookie said with a huge smile.

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Next to him, Shilton van Wyk was looking at his smaller trophy, that of Player of the Final with deep gratitude, thanking the Lord for the opportunity given to him.

The wing stamped his authority in the tournament on Saturday. First, he scored the match-winner against New Zealand in the Cup semi-final and then broke the game open in the final with two well taken tries against Ireland.

ALSO READ: Dubai Sevens final — Blitzboks crowned champions!

“The first time I got the ball I just decided to go. Our captain (Siviwe Soyizwapi) told us in the team talk that this could be the last time you play for this team, so don’t leave with regrets if that is the case. So I just decided I was not going to hold back,” the Blitzboks player reflected.

“This is a wonderful win for us, it means a lot to the system, and us along with the coaches will take a lot of positives and confidence from this. For me winning the player of the final is a bonus. I went to out to play for this team and I’m pleased that I could contribute in such a way,” he said.

The Blitzboks arrived back in Cape Town on Sunday, ahead of the Cape Town Sevens this coming weekend.

The South Africa have been drawn in Pool A for the tournament scheduled to take place at the Cape Town Stadium from 9-11 December.

They will face France, Fiji and Canada in their pool matches.

ALSO READ: Springbok Sevens handed tough draw at Cape Town Sevens