The Blitzboks are back in training to prepare for the two Sevens Series tournaments in Spain, with the squad boosted by Justin Geduld’s return from injury.
The Sevens Series will resume in Malaga, Spain on the weekend of 21 January, followed by a tournament in Seville a week later.
Geduld, who has been sidelined through injury since the Olympic Games, has now regained full fitness and is expected to be included in the 13-man squad for the events in Spain.
Sako Makata, Dewald Human and Mfundo Ndhlovu are also expected to return to play after their respective injuries.
South Africa made a blistering start to the season, as they won back-to-back tournaments in Dubai in November and December last year to jump to the top of the standings.
And forward Impi Visser says the goal is to build on that good start and to keep setting new standards in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments later this year.
“I don’t think we lost momentum due to the festivities,” said Visser.
“Everyone knew that it remained important to stay in shape over the short break and we are all determined to make the best of the year to come.
“We don’t really mind who we play as the focus is on ourselves and what we want to achieve,” said Visser.
“We want to dominate the World Series this year, so every game is very important in that regard. Our successes in Dubai and even Canada before that will not be a burden, rather it will drive the motivation to be the best team on the circuit.
“Normally, this time of the year we are preparing to go to New Zealand and Australia, two tournaments that are pretty tough to play at because of the jet lag. With Spain, that will not be an issue and that is something we are looking forward to.
“This time around, with none of us having been to Spain, it will be great to be in the squad.”
