The Blitzboks are counting on a packed Cape Town Stadium to drive them out of the starting blocks when the race for the 2022 Sevens World Cup trophy begins on Friday. DYLAN JACK reports.

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“We will keep chasing that perfection. If we miss perfection, then at least, we will hit excellence,” says captain Siviwe Soyizwapi.

The Blitzboks have completed their prep for the Sevens World Cup on home soil which, for them, begins with a round-of-16 clash with either Germany or Chile at 7:03pm on Friday.

“It’s a massive tournament at home in front of our supporters, so we are really excited,” said Soyizwapi.

“It’s going to be really special. We haven’t had any sevens rugby here in Cape Town since December 2019. So we are all excited to run out there this weekend and represent the country. We know how the stadium can get, the atmosphere is amazing. The fans make the tournament. We are looking forward to it.”

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As in 2018, the Sevens World Cup will keep its straight knockout format with every team starting the tournament in a round of 16.

“The knockout factor doesn’t change our mindset,” said Soyizwapi.

“Again, we are focused on getting as perfect a game as possible. We are focused on ourselves as a team and the standards we upheld as a system. We will be chasing that perfect game from day one, game one. The result will take care of itself.”

The opportunity that lies in wait this weekend is not lost on the Blitzboks, as they could replicate the Springboks’ 2019 World Cup victory and inspire a nation.

“It would be massive,” said Soyizwapi. “It would be amazing for South African rugby and it would be great for the nation as well. We all know what sport can do for our country but, again, we are fully focused on ourselves as a team and the performance we want to bring this weekend.”

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Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images