Following South Africa's 29-7 win over Australia in their final Pool A game, we spoke to Blitzbok star Chris Dry and coach Neil Powell. Here's what they had to say:
Following South Africa's 29-7 win over Australia in their final Pool A game, we spoke to Blitzbok star Chris Dry and coach Neil Powell. Here's what they had to say:
Neil Powell:
On recovering from a shaky 28-10 win over the USA
"The important thing coming out of games like that is how the guys recovered from mistakes they made and how hard they worked in our defensive line."
On areas that could be improved:
"[There were] still maybe one or two tackles that we missed, especially in this last game, in the second half against Australia."
On staying disciplined against Australia:
"It's one of the things that we spoke about after this game – to give the guys credit that they didn't get involved in the off the ball stuff and that they kept their focus on the important stuff."
Chris Dry
On winning ugly:
"I think in the game of Sevens, there's always going to be a few balls going left and right, and I think we kept good composure when things got a little bit loose."
On squad depth:
"I think its so important that you have a well-rounded squad – not only the 12 or the 13 that are representing – I think back home, those guys were working just as hard and pushing these twelve on the field. Guys on the bench almost carry the flag and it is important to keep the momentum and not stop when there's changes. It's very difficult, but I think as a side, we've matured in doing that."
On the improving Blitzboks side:
"I think from last week to this week, we've cut down on the silly mistakes in the discipline and that's very important. Yes, there are a few things that we want to work on, but I think for now, I'm very happy with the processes."
On playing in front of the home crowd:
"I think the crowd is awesome. It's a feeling that you can't really describe. There's just that one tournament that's always going to be special and the crowds really come out to support us."
On keeping disicplined against a physical Australia side:
"It's important for us to have all seven on the field and I think we said at half-time that it's important that we don't get involved in argy bargy. We want to stick to what we want to do on the field… There's always going to be some physicality off the ball, but I think it's important that we back out and focus on the next job."
