'We did not keep to our standards' - Springbok Sevens leaders reflect on underwhelming weekend

Following three consecutive defeats at the Singapore Sevens this past weekend, the Blitzboks' top brass said while disappointed, they will have to find ways to rectify their underwhelming showing.

Defeats to the USA, Fiji and Argentina meant the Blitzboks missed out on a podium finish and head coach Neil Powell has identified the issue.

"We played too much as individuals and too little as a team. Our strength lies in our ability to play as a unit and follow our principles and protocols, and we did not see enough of that this weekend," he said. 

Powell also felt the team conceded too many easy tries. 

"In the game against Fiji for example, we were in control on the field, but the scoreboard showed different. And we conceded a soft try against them when they scored from a kick-off we blundered," he said, adding that he was not despondent and felt that the poor results came at an appropriate time. 

"This was a good wake-up call for us as the Rugby World Cup Sevens comes closer. We cannot think that we just have to pitch up to win. We will have to rectify that."

How the Sevens Series men's standings look heading into Vancouver ??#HSBC7s | #Singapore7s pic.twitter.com/FSnZAw1kKv

On the other hand, captain Siviwe Soyizwapi said was disappointed that the team went off script.

"We did not perform as a team," said Soyizwapi. 

"We did not keep to our standards or hold ourselves accountable out there. This is one that we will have to take on the chin."

"We only have ourselves to blame for this. It is frustrating not knowing why we underperformed, but we will have to have a hard look at ourselves. We never recovered from that first defeat, so we need to get ourselves mentally in order and bounce back next weekend."

The squad started day two