Cancer survivor Brown steals the show as 4 Blitzboks make Canada Sevens Dream Team | Sport

Ronald Brown. (Springbok Sevens/Twitter)

The Springbok Sevens team’s strong start to the 2021 World Rugby Sevens Series was a real boost for South African rugby supporters,
but even more so was the impressive showing from the four debutants on display
in Vancouver last weekend.

Top of that list was Ronald Brown, whose first World Series
event culminated with the Player of the Final gong, as well as being named
in the Canada Sevens Dream Team, voted for by fans afterwards.

Brown was one of four Blitzboks named in the Dream Team,
alongside Ryan Oosthuizen, Angelo Davids and Dewald Human, a clear indication
of the strong performance delivered by the South Africans.

The 26-year-old made the top three in most of the
statistical categories – he made the second most tackles and clean breaks, and
was third in tries scored in a well-rounded performance.

Brown made his national debut in July, when he represented
South Africa at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but was offered limited
opportunities in Japan.

With South Africa’s most experienced player ever, Branco du
Preez, injured and Selvyn Davids ruled out shortly before departure to Canada,
the sweeper mantle fell neatly onto Brown’s shoulders.

And he did not disappoint.

For Brown, whose recovery from
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is well documented, time on the field is like gold dust.

“As a team we stuck to our processes and when that happens,
the individuals also look good,” Brown said.

“The challenge to keep up the high standards we set in
Vancouver this weekend Edmonton will be our main focus. We have worked hard
before we came here, and that is not going to stop.

“We have no choice but to give our best every time. We represent
the jersey and those who held it before us, you have to leave it in a better
place. We as South Africans, and us as Blitzboks, have to keep those standards
and always try to improve on that.”

Those wearing the jersey before him include illustrious
names such as Cheslin Kolbe, Rosko Specman, Du Preez and Davids. According to
Brown, he will play whenever and wherever he is needed. For that, he needs to
be ready at all times.

“I can only put myself up for selection every time the
coaches sit down to select a team,” he said.

“We can all play the game and are all-rounders, so whatever
is best for the team, is where I will apply myself. If the coach needs me for a
specific role, I will be there to do it. It is what is best for the team.”

Brown’s performance certainly laid down a marker. He made
the second most clean breaks (7) alongside Alvin Otieno, topped only by another
Kenyan, Daniel Taabu (8); placed third with tries scored (6); and was second in
tackles made.

In fact, the Blitzboks mowed down the opponents like no
other. They made 103 tackles, followed by Hong Kong (88) and Ireland (74), with
Christie Grobbelaar (22), Brown (18) and Sako Makata (12) the top three
defenders in Vancouver.

Brown was also third in points scored, with a 42-point haul.
South Africa scored 238 points in their six matches, with Germany (155) and USA
(152) next. The Blitzboks also scored the most tries (38), followed by Germany
(25) and USA (24).

Another who enjoyed his return to the top fray was Dewald
Human, who last played in the 2019 World Series. He started in every match and
made 27 runs, second only to Taabu.

The diminutive playmaker combined well with his outside
backs, with two pinpoint kicks also resulting in tries to Angelo Davids.
Human’s contribution of 39 points came from one try and 17 conversions, the
most by any player.

“We are playing with smiles on our faces and hopefully it
brings smiles to those supporting us. We really enjoy it to be out there and
represent our country,” Human said.

– SA Rugby