The Blitzboks’ Stormers star Ruhan Nel admits that he is finding it tough to play Sevens rugby again.
After switching from Sevens to XVs last season, Nel says it will be important for him not to try and prove himself in this weekend’s Dubai Sevens.
Instead, he just wants to contribute to the team.
The 28-year-old says: “The danger will be to try and prove yourself again, which will have a negative impact on the team.
“Your contributions as a team player, rather than the individual self, is of far greater importance this weekend and I will not looking beyond that.”
He adds of the difficulty switching codes: “A number of the guys left with me way back then and that allowed the youngsters in the system to get a proper run and gain experience. So, it was clear that those guys had benefited from playing.
TRANSFORMER: Dylan Sage. Picture: Nigel Owen.
“We have a very competitive squad and one only needs to look at some of the names in the Academy squad to realise how much depth has been developed by coach Neil Powell.”
Another player that has switched between Sevens and XVs, Dylan Sage, echoes Nel’s words.
Sage says: “In a way, it was a new start for me playing Sevens again, not that I minded, but the dynamics are different and challenging.
“My body has been sore for a couple of weeks, but I really enjoyed being back.”