'We lost to ourselves': Blitzboks veteran on 38-0 final defeat to New Zealand

Experienced Blitzboks veteran Zain Davids put his side’s 38-0 loss in the men’s final of the Sydney 7s Series to New Zealand down to his own side’s lack of execution.

The All Blacks Sevens ran riot putting up six tries in the rematch after South Africa had taken a 17-14 win in the pool stages.

New Zealand men’s side claimed their first gold place finish of the Series after an agonising defeat in the final in Hamilton to Argentina.

However, the 25-year-old with over 150 appearances on the World Sevens circuit said the Blitzboks simply did not follow the game plan and were mentally absent from the final.

“The injuries sustained during the tournament was unfortunate, but not an excuse,” Davids said.

“We lost to ourselves. We did not pitch up mentally or physically for the final, nor did we follow the game plan we had.

“That is frustrating, to be honest. Yes, we played five good games, but when it mattered, we let ourselves down.

“We knew what New Zealand would bring, but somehow we did not respond to their challenge the way I know we can.”

“We did a lot of things right this weekend, but we also made telling mistakes.

“That gives us something to aim for when we get back home, to go and fix those things and make it better. We have our goals as a team, and we will have to make sure we all align to those next time we play.”

South Africa’s Sevens side were looking for their second gold of the Series after coming away with the win in the Dubai leg of the circuit and will look to rebound in Los Angeles.