“This is simply another competition, but we want to win”
This is according to Mfundo Ndhlovu as the Blitzboks prepare for the Rugby World Cup Sevens this weekend at Cape Town Stadium.
The team has claimed, leading up to the spectacle, that they attempt to regard the quadrennial competition as merely another tournament.
Given the pressure, it is not difficult to comprehend why.
In recent years, the World Cup hosts have been the most successful team in the World Series, winning back-to-back titles in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, as well as the abbreviated 2020 competition.
They appeared to be on course to repeat as champions this season, but a few lackluster performances in Los Angeles (where the Blitzboks finished 13th) allowed Australia to earn their first series championship.
Consequently, it is evident that the South Africans understand how to win a series, but this weekend will be significantly different due to the style of the game.
However, the Commonwealth Games champions are up for the challenge.
“This is not a World Series event; you do not have a week to prepare for the next competition – this is it,” Ndhlovu added.
“You desire victory, especially in front of your home fans. This tournament occurs only every four years, therefore even though it’s simply another tournament, you want to win it.
“Everything that has happened is in the past,” he added, referring to the LA leg of the series. “You can’t alter anything, so just put it in your rear pocket and move on.”
As in 2018, the World Cup will feature a knockout format from the very beginning. Ndhlovu acknowledged that it can be intimidating, but he was certain that the Blitzboks are aware of what is expected of them.
“It makes it extremely thrilling, but it can also be frightening. “However, I am confident that with the team we have, we will be able to go the distance, implement our processes, and exert the necessary effort to achieve success,” he said.
“Preparations are proceeding smoothly and the team has a positive attitude; the men are eager.”
The World Cup will be coach Neil Powell’s final event in charge of the Blitzboks, which makes winning the team’s first Melrose Cup even more crucial.
Ndhlovu has endured a difficult journey due to injury and missed the Tokyo Olympics last year.
While he was struck down again during the Commonwealth Games in July, he returned for the gold medal match, scoring the game’s final try in spectacular fashion to assist the South Africans finish in first place.
Now, as he prepares for another huge competition, Ndhlovu, who is healthy and injury-free, is eager to contribute to Powell’s proper send-off.
“It is bittersweet as this is coach Neil Powell’s final tournament, especially after all he’s done for us. We are excited and looking forward to the remainder of our preparations. There are a few nerves, but it’s going well. This is an excellent location, remarked Ndhlovu.
“I take it tournament by tournament, and I view each tournament as an opportunity to prepare for the next.
“Missing one mentally trains me to become stronger, so I simply maintain my faith and concentrate on what I am aware of” (he said of his past injuries).
I am thrilled to be reunited with the boys for this next competition.
@WynonaLouw