blitzboks

South Africa’s Werner Kok (R) is tackled by Scotland’s Joe Nayacavou (L) during the World Rugby Sevens Series match between Scotland and South Africa at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on January 26, 2019. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP)

Werner Kok impressed with Blitzboks’ ‘amazing’ depth

Blitzboks veteran Werner Kok completed 50 world series tournaments in the LA Sevens.

blitzboks

South Africa’s Werner Kok (R) is tackled by Scotland’s Joe Nayacavou (L) during the World Rugby Sevens Series match between Scotland and South Africa at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on January 26, 2019. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP)

The LA Sevens title was the perfect way for Werner Kok to mark his 50th appearance in Blitzboks colours, and the flyer has put the team’s success down to its incredible depth.

The South Africans have been able to rest some key players throughout the ongoing World Rugby Sevens series, while still competing for top honours come the end of the season.

Squad depth pays off for Blitzboks

Having taken a mixture of stalwarts and recent SA Rugby Sevens graduates, Neil Powell’s men added their second title for the campaign, and Kok is impressed with the number of quality players at coach Neil Powell’s disposal. 

“Our depth is amazing – we have so many young players in the system who are playing so well,” he 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.”

Werner Kok

Putting hands up for Olympic spots

There are three more tournaments remaining in the world series before the Tokyo Olympics and, with strong squad depth, each player is trying to book his ticket to Japan.

Kok has noted the younger players’ eagerness to make that all-important flight.

“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,” he said.

Werner Kok

The victory in California saw the Blitzboks close in on New Zealand, who top the overall standings.

The 22 points earned from the triumph placed them just four points behind, and they will be looking for another strong finish ahead of the Vancouver Sevens beginning on Saturday.

For the Canada leg, the Blitzboks have been grouped in Pool A with England, Argentina and Japan.