The Springbok Sevens coach, Sandile Ngcobo, has called on his chargers to tune in mentally for this weekend’s Los Angeles Sevens.

The Blitzboks are under pressure following three successive tournaments where they were not able to reach at least the semi-finals of the cup competition.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Blitzboks as they are in Pool A along with the world series leaders, Argentina as well as Ireland and the unpredictable Spain.

Ngcobo said with facing the likes of Argentina and Ireland they need to rock up mentally.

“From a mental point of view the players need to understand that all matches will be very competitive, you need to be as sharp when you play Spain as you need to be when playing New Zealand, Argentina or Ireland,” said Ngcobo.

 “We have seen what we can do when we play well, but also what happens when we are inconsistent in our performances and don't get the detail right.

 “Our focus is topping the pool. We are good enough to win tournaments, I honestly believe that.

 “Bar one or two injured players back home, this is our best team, and they are capable of winning tournaments. We just need to be mentally sharp for six games over three days and the results will be the reward.”

The Blitzboks will kick-off their campaign on Saturday morning at 5:38 against Ireland.

Saturday 2 March

5:38 - Ireland

20:36 - Argentina

 Sunday 3 March

00:54 - Spain

Morgan Piek OFM Sport