The Blitzboks made light work of beating Kenya 38-5 in the final to win the first tournament since the resumption of the season.

Ironically, the tournament in Canada was the Blitzboks last before the series was suspended last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Powell said his players work ethic was more pleasing than the result.

“I am very happy and pleased with the performance the squad delivered.

“As a coach I could not have asked for more. The most pleasing part must be the way they played for the jersey and the way they worked for each other.

“One could sense in the preparation for the tournament already that there was a lot of commitment from the guys, and one could sense the hunger to just go out there and play. The Olympics aside, we have not played in the World Series for a year and a half, and the guys were really keen to get back at it.

“The players deserve all the credit. They really worked hard and did everything that was expected of them. Everyone executed their role and responsibilities,” said Powell, adding that the team’s execution on day two was spot on.

“We played Spain twice and Kenya twice and won comfortably the first time around. That often creates a false sense of security, but the team did not fall into that trap and came out with an even stronger performance against those teams the second time around.”

The teams stay in Canada this week for the Edmonton Sevens.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport