They had the absolute high of winning their home tournament in Cape Town last month, but that ship has sailed and for the Springbok Sevens team this weekend’s HSBC SVNS Singapore will represent a fresh challenge. And they will be ready for it.
Springbok Sevens captain Impi Visser credited his side’s ability to “stay in the moment” as crucial to a consecutive HSBC SVNS Cape Town title at DHL Stadium on Sunday, with the Blitzboks claiming back-to-back titles with a win over Argentina.
The Springbok Sevens successfully defended their HSBC SVNS Cape Town title in spectacular fashion, edging Argentina by 21-19 in a hard-fought final on Sunday afternoon.
Uncapped utility backline player Nabo Sokoyi has been included in the Springbok Sevens squad for the HSBC SVNS Cape Town at DHL Stadium, where the Blitzboks will aim to defend their crown in the second round of the season.
Zander Reynders’ debut for the Springbok Sevens, a year ago at the HSBC SVNS Cape Town, was a surreal experience and to return to DHL Stadium where it all started was a reminder of how blessed his rugby career has been since.
The overnight flight from Dubai to Cape Town was more than enough time for the Blitzboks to reflect on their fifth place finish at the Emirates Dubai 7s tournament and upon arrival in the Mother City this morning, Springbok Sevens sweeper Ricardo Duarttee was ready for another bite at the cherry.
The Springbok Sevens will face Dubai champions New Zealand, as well as Fiji and Great Britain on the opening day of the HSBC SVNS Cape Town on Saturday as the pool draw was confirmed following last weekend’s action in the desert.
The Springbok Women's Sevens ‘A’ side will return from Dubai on Monday more mature, more experienced and with their coach Cecil Afrika, a happy man.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman after the Blitzboks’ fifth-place finish at the Emirates Dubai 7s on Sunday, but he admitted that they did not perform to their own expectations.
There has been a constant thread coming from the Springbok Sevens in Dubai this week, a positive message from players and the team’s head coach Philip Snyman that the Blitzboks are ready and able to deliver another memorable Emirates Dubai 7s performance to start the new HSBC SVNS season on a high note.