Powell on Blitzoks' dismal showing at LA Sevens: Not enough team effort

The Blitzboks have all but blown their chances of winning the World Rugby Sevens Series after a dismal performance in the pool stages of the Los Angeles Sevens.    

After defeat in their opening Pool B clash to the United States, Neil Powell's men won their second game against Canada and faced off against New Zealand, knowing that a win would see them through to the knock-out stages. 

That didn't happen, however, as the Blitzboks went down 17-14 to their arch-rivals. 

That result sees Australia, Argentina and Fiji still in the chase to overtake South Africa for the overall title after all three advanced to the last eight. 

Sunday's quarter-final pairings include undefeated Fiji against the United States, Ireland against unbeaten New Zealand, Kenya against the unbeaten Aussies and undefeated Samoa against Argentina. 

After the New Zealand clash, Powell said a lack of defensive cohesion and an under-powered team effort was responsible for a below-par performance from his side.  

"We conceded way more tries than usual, and that was very disappointing," said Powell.  

"For me, the defensive effort from the players was too individualistic, and we did not trust the system. When we play as a unit, it brings us success, and that did not happen out there. 

"It was not always due to a lack of trying, some guys really did their best out there, but rather players wanting to do things on their own. That is not what we stand for as a team, hence the disappointment," said Powell. 

The coach said they were not expecting miracles on day two, when they face Wales in the 9th place play-off at 18:51 (SA time), with many results needing to go South Africa's way if they were to retain the World Series title. 

"We will have to assess where we stand and