Blitzboks without Ricardo Duarttee for LA Sevens
'Tricky Ricky' returns home for personal reasons and will miss this weekend's tournament in the US.
The Blitzboks will be without Ricardo ‘Tricky Ricky’ Duarttee as they prepare to bounce back from a disappointing Canada Sevens tournament in Los Angeles this weekend.
James Murphy has linked up with the Springbok Sevens squad in the US as they prepare for the Los Angeles Sevens, at Dignity Health Sports Park from Friday to Sunday.
Murphy replaced Duarttee, who returned to South Africa after last weekend’s tournament in Vancouver due to personal reasons.
Murphy last played for the Blitzboks in Perth at the end of January, and should have no problems to slot straight back into the set-up. The 28-year-old forward, who scored 75 points in 18 tournaments, said he is keen to contribute again.
“The guys were a bit down after their performances in Canada last weekend, so I will provide some energy to the week and our effort here. These are my best friends away from home, so I know there will be no issues slotting right in.”
Murphy said he could sense that the team’s feedback after Canada was honest and that everyone is ready to go again: “There is a good vibe already. Consistency was a key subject of discussion and will continue to be this week.
“A lot of hard work has been done and the efforts are real, I am convinced that it will pay off very soon. We will be ready for whatever comes our way this weekend,” he added.
The Blitzboks are pooled with log leaders Argentina, Ireland and Spain and get their LA Sevens campaign underway at 05:38 (SA time) on Saturday.
Blitzbok pool schedule (SA times):
Saturday
- 05:38: Ireland
- 20:36: Argentina
Sunday
- 00:54: Spain
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