As skipper Siviwe Soyizwapi focuses the Blitzboks on familiar foes at the Toulouse Sevens this weekend, veteran Branco du Preez sets his sights on a major milestone.
Neil Powell’s men will start the France tournament – the seventh in the 2022 World Series – having finished seventh in Singapore and fifth in Vancouver, where they were defending champions at both events.
The South Africans head into Friday’s opening day at the Stade Ernest-Wallon, where they face Ireland, Spain and Samoa in Pool D, desperate to retain a slender six-point lead at the top of the standings.
“We had Samoa and Spain in Vancouver and play Ireland this time as well. They are all good teams in our pool, so we are looking towards a very competitive weekend,” said Soyizwapi.
“Samoa’s physicality [in particular] proved a challenge for us last time around, so we need to be better when we face them this weekend.
“We trained well since we arrived here and I loved the attitude the players showed during those sessions, especially our defence session. That is normally our toughest session of the week … so we’re ready to play. This is another opportunity for us, and we want to grab it with both hands.”
Being around rockets and space craft brought a smile to @SiviweSoyizwapi in Toulouse. #BestOfUs pic.twitter.com/iYtLUmG17l
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) May 19, 2022
READ: Dalvon ready to be blooded
Du Preez, already South Africa’s most capped player with 400 appearances, has won more World Series tournaments than any other South African.
Playing in his 80th tournament, he has scored 1,409 points for the Blitzboks and with 99 tries, the sweeper-scrumhalf is well aware of that elusive 100th try.
“Yes, I don’t need to be reminded of that, that is something I really want to achieve,” said Du Preez.
“Stats are irrelevant when you contribute towards the team, your try will come sometime, so I am not going out looking for it. We all have a job to do on the field and if everyone does that properly and I am in the right position, the try will come.”
Du Preez missed the Singapore and Vancouver legs due to injury, but is ready to help guide the Blitzboks towards a second consecutive World Series title: “I am excited about what we can bring to the tournament this weekend, if our training sessions were anything to go by. The guys really worked hard at home to be ready for this one.”
With Dalvon Blood set to make his Springbok Sevens debut, Du Preez gave a ringing endorsement of the newcomer. “We have seen him play and we know what he can do – he can bring some magic and I am very happy for him,” said the 32-year-old, who handed Blood his first Blitzbok training jersey this week.
“Every young kid dreams of becoming a Blitzbok player. He was no different and now he gets his chance. He is a great guy off the field, too, so I am really pleased for him.”
Blitzboks’ Pool D schedule:
SA vs Ireland, Friday, 12pm
SA vs Spain, Friday, 6:28pm
SA vs Samoa, Saturday, 12:22pm
