Ricardo Duarttee says the Blitzboks won’t let disappointment linger as they target a statement performance at this weekend’s Cape Town Sevens.
The Springbok Sevens swept into the Mother City on Monday morning after a long overnight flight from Dubai, where they finished a frustrating fifth in the opening leg of the 2025-26 series.
The team reflection started straight after an opening day in Dubai where the team dropped out of the Cup section.
“We regrouped on Sunday already after the disappointment of Saturday,” said Duarttee. “You could see that in our day two results. It hurts that we dropped results to Fiji and Argentina in our pool, but we came back on Sunday to get some belief back.”
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Now the focus turns to Cape Town Stadium – and correcting the mistakes of Dubai.
“This weekend, we have another chance to redeem ourselves and I cannot wait for that,” Duarttee said. “The squad will be very determined to right the wrongs from Dubai.”
The Blitzboks claimed the Cape Town title last year for only the second time since the event moved to the Mother City in 2015, ending a long eight-year wait after winning the inaugural edition.
Duarttee says a repeat of that title drought is “not an option”.
“We certainly do not want to wait that long again,” the 20-tournament stalwart stressed. “Cape Town is just such a special place to play at. There is a massive feeling of excitement for the weekend.”
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Duarttee produced a standout display in last year’s triumph, but he’s quick to underline the team’s priorities.
“We don’t play for statistics,” he said. “We play for the love of the game, for the passion we have for it, and this weekend we get to play in front of family, friends and loyal supporters.”
Photo: Martin Dokoupil/Getty Images
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