CG performance a blip on the radar
Springbok Sevens stalwart Chris Dry appeared as a special guest on Late Tackle, where all things BlitzBoks were placed under the microscope.
The team went into the Commonwealth Games with high expectations as they looked to defend the title they won in 2014 at the Glasgow Games. However, they came unstuck in the semifinal against Fiji before losing to England in the Bronze Medal match.
Many would see this as a failure – and rightly so – but such is the love for what this team has achieved over the years, that a small slip-up can be overlooked, especially with three rounds remaining in the World Sevens Series and the Sevens World Cup in July.
The BlitzBoks will look to retain their World Sevens Series title before heading to the United States of America where they will aim to win their first ever World Cup title – a tournament Dry is hopeful of participating in as he undergoes rehab following a serious knee injury.
"I am trying to push for World Cup which is mid-July, that's my goal. So I have to be back on the field a month before that to train with the guys but obviously a lot can change in Sevens," Dry said.
"It [recovery] is a process. You definitely have to get your mind around the fact that it will take a few months, but I have a very good support team looking after me and I start running soon. I literally have to go through this process and see how I come out on the other side. I am really confident I will come out strong.
"I don't think the age is such a big factor [in recovery], it's more the guys performing in Hong Kong that's the scary part," he added.
A youthful side, made up of predominantly Academy players were sent to Hong Kong where they pushed a full-strength Fiji all the way in the semifinal, falling agonisingly short – by just two points – to miss out on a spot in the final.
The 30-year-old is one of the older members of the broader BlitzBok squad, but the desire to mix it up with the best in the business continues to burn.
"The desire is definitely still there. Every season is different and every season you look forward to the next tournament and for me, I still feel that I have a lot to give. I am really excited to come back after being out for a whole season.
"When I started, Sevens was completely different and it has grown. A year later, a lot of youngsters are coming through, the game is faster, there are new laws, so everything changes but I am really excited to be part of it again," he stated.
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