Blitzboks to focus on breakdowns for Sydney Sevens showdown

Lessons were learned and adjustments made, and they are determined not to be dominated at the breakdowns again, as was the case in New Zealand last weekend.

That is the view of stalwart Zain Davids as the Blitzboks look to bounce back from a fairly disappointing performance in Hamilton when the fifth installment of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series kicks off in Australia on Friday.

The Blitzboks were victorious in Dubai in the second tournament of the 2023 World Series and finished fourth in Cape Town a week later, but Davids admits that two top-four finishes in four tournaments were not the results they are looking for.

However, according to the 25-year-old prop, they will improve as the team - with a number of inexperienced players in their midst - get more game time together.

"Also, as in my case, I am getting more match fit as the season progresses," explained Davids.

"Coming back from injury, like I did, is one thing, but match fitness is something else. The fitness on the training field differs from what is expected in actual matches and I am happy with the latter, as I am feeling more at ease as we go along.

"The results are not always what we want or train for, but it is also true that we have some new players in the team and we need some time together on the field to become better."

An aspect that the team targeted this week following their matches in New Zealand, was to have a more physical presence at the breakdown. They were overshadowed by the French and Irish in that regard, but according to Davids, they will approach it differently this weekend.

"We are not the biggest side on the circuit and teams are coming for us at the rucks, so we must muscle up in that regard, he said.

"We spoke about it and how we need to adapt this weekend, as we are up against Kenya first and they are certainly going to come for us."

Davids said there is a real determination to get back to the podium: "The comeback must be greater than the setback, so we want to rectify what happened in Hamilton. We have shown what we can do, so there is a real purpose to our effort this weekend."