Between the ears for BlitzBoks
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SA Sevens coach Neil Powell has focused on ensuring his squad is mentally prepared for the final two legs of the Sevens World Series.
The BlitBoks currently hold a slender lead at the top of the standings, with two tournaments in Glasgow and London still to be played.
Having finished second and third in the Hong Kong and Tokyo tournaments Powell has selected an experienced squad for the last two legs, with Stephan Dippenaar and Philip Snyman back in the mix after both returning from injury.
"It is the last two tournaments of the season and we are in the running for the World Series so obviously you would like to select your most experienced squad with players that are on form," said the BlitzBoks coach.
Powell's team has qualified for the Cup semifinal in the last seven consecutive tournaments, and having assessed their performances in the last two tournaments he is confodent that they can maintain that kind of consistency at the business-end of the season.
"We had a look at our two tournaments in Tokyo and Hong Kong and I think they were more mental mistakes that cost us those two tournaments.
"In saying that we know that we are not a perfect team yet and there is still a lot of room for improvement in different areas. In defence and rucking as well, we only kept 82% of our ball when we took it into contact.
"It was about reinforcing all the things we already know and keep on grafting and working hard, hopefully it will pay off next weekend," he said.
The last few weeks have seen the wider squad training in preparation, and Powell feels that they are as well prepared as possible to take on what lies ahead.
"It is about finding a balance between getting the guys rested and hungry for the next tournament and making sure they are conditioned and coached so if we can get that balance right the players are in a good mental state," he said.
By Michael de Vries
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