South Africa’s match-winner against Fiji in Perth final is back in the Blitzboks squad as they continue their push for the HSBC SVNS World Championship title.
Ricardo Duarttee has been called into the Springbok Sevens travelling squad for the World Championship tournaments in Spain and France after Ronald Brown was ruled out of the side.
Duarttee will be familiar to Fiji fans after he kicked the match-winning conversion against Fiji in Perth earlier this season as South Africa claimed victory on their way to winning the tournament.
The playmaker was also part of the successful Blitzboks squads that won in Cape Town and Perth, and will now be looking to help South Africa strengthen its title charge in Valladolid and Bordeaux.
The Blitzboks currently lead the standings that will determine the overall HSBC SVNS World Championship winner after claiming victory at the opening championship event in Hong Kong last month.
Speaking on his return, Duarttee says the opportunity feels like a prayer being answered after going through a difficult period personally.
He says despite the highs in Perth, he was not in a good place at the time and had to take responsibility for some of his decisions.
Duarttee says he spent time reflecting and changing his attitude for the better and is grateful for the opportunity to return.
Valladolid 7s will be played in Spain from this Friday to Sunday.
South Africa will begin its Pool A campaign against Great Britain before facing Kenya and Australia.
(Source: Super Sports)
