Hougaard finding his feet in Sevens
The Springbok made is BlitzBok debut in the opening leg of the World Series in Dubai and scored the winning try in his team's 19-14 Plate Final victory over Australia.
He now wants to use his experience in the United Arab Emirates to become a better Sevens player going forward.
"It's all about experience," said Hougaard.
"The more you play the better you get. The more you play the more experience you get and you see things in attack and defence that you will only pick up in games.
"That's how a person can work on the mistakes and come back better, stronger and smarter.
"I will get better."
The BlitzBoks were in a winning position in their Cup quarterfinal against the United States before Seabelo Senatla got yellow carded for taking a man out in the air. Going down to six men proved costly as the Americans scored two tries to lead 21-19 with just two minutes left.
There were some questionable calls by the referee before the final whistle, which saw the Americans win a penalty and a scrum, allowing them to hold on for the win.
However, Hougaard says they are not blaming the official for their loss.
"There are a few things that are out of our control, but we never blame the ref – it's not going to get you anywhere if you blame the ref.
"I think we just have to play smart and turn a new page and go on. It does not help if we get angry about it because it is not going to change. We just have to be smart about it," Hougaard added.
Besides the disappointment of not going further in the Cup section of the Dubai leg, Hougaard siadthe whole experience of his Sevens journey so far has been nothing short of 'spectacular'.
"It has been an unbelievable experience. Besides the playing and training and all that, I think the vibe and the atmosphere at the stadium and just the build up to it is pretty spectacular.
"It has been a great four-five weeks, but this weekend has been pretty amazing.
"I think Cape Town is going to be much bigger. I don't think any of us want it at any other place than Cape Town," he said.
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
