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'Like going to war': ABs 7s primed for 'tough' South Africa clash
By Finn Morton
Co-captain Dylan Collier is ready to go “to war” on Saturday when the All Blacks Sevens taken on fierce rivals South Africa in Hong Kong.
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For both teams, losing isn’t an option. The two great rugby nations share one of the biggest rivalries in the sport, and a new chapter will be forged this weekend.
New Zealand started their Hong Kong Sevens campaign with a convincing 29-5 win over Kenya, while the Blitzboks snuck past Ireland 14-7.
But both results set-up an unmissable blockbuster this weekend.
Harbouring ambitions of a Cup final triumph at Hong Kong Stadium, this result will go a long way to determining who tops Pool D.
There’s plenty of respect between these two teams off the field, but they’re warriors once they “cross that white line.”
“It’s two great rugby nations so there’s always that huge respect off the field and on the field,” Collier told RugbyPass.
“But once you cross that white line it’s like going to war.
“The World Series is so tight at the moment and it’s creating quite hard pools at the moment.
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“It’s good for the game and good for building the game.
“I don’t think there’s any motivation that we need, it’s always gonna be a tough game against the South Africa boys.
“They haven’t done as well this year I think, but every time we play them it’s gonna be a hard game.”
The All Blacks Sevens named a new-look squad ahead of the prestigious tournament in Hong Kong, including three debutants.
New Zealand are missing 10 players for this leg of the series, including captain Sam Dickson.
In Dickson’s place, head coach Clark Laidlaw appointed Dylan Collier and Sione Molia as the teams co-captains.
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“It’s a huge honour and privilege for me to co-captain my team,” Collier added.
“I don’t think I have to do too much differently, I just have to try and lead with my actions and hopefully the young boys will follow along.
“A lot of these young boys have earnt their spot and they just bring heaps of energy and heaps of excitement so it’s awesome to be a part of.”
The All Blacks Sevens are first on this season’s World Series standings, while Argentina and France round out the top three.
New Zealand shot up the ladder after Cup final wins in Sydney and Los Angeles, but fell short of a third-consecutive crown in Vancouver.
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What a great read. Players mature at different stages and words that may inspire some are far too cutting for others. Good coaches are so important to the career of young players. The ability to get into a player's head is a gift. But in the wrong hands this can be a disaster. There is so much emotional stuff going on with young players that it takes a really good coach to bring the best from them and inspire them to be the best they can be playing rugby and importantly the best person they can be as a person.
Go to commentsInteresting read Nick, thanks. Is it a reality check for incomings and outgoings for the English clubs over money? a market correction? This is always a strange thing when it comes to what is still fundamentally recreation, a leisure pursuit. You could have the two divisions but the 2nd division will lose interest for the top flight of players. Maybe a random draw to create two pools that would lead to a play-off system? Have not thought it through but throwing it out there.
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