The South African U18 Sevens team is looking forward to defending their title in the Windhoek Sevens tournament this weekend.

The team, which is being guided by coach Marius Schoeman, will kick off the competition against the Barbarians on Friday before lining up against Zimbabwe and Namibia in their other pool fixtures on the opening day.

They will face Germany and Botswana in their remaining pool games on Saturday, which will be followed immediately by the final stages.

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‘This is a fantastic opportunity for the players to get a taste of international rugby, while it is also a great tournament for the development of sevens rugby in Africa,’ said Schoeman. ‘With the likes of Namibia, Botswana and Namibia participating, as well as a country like Germany, we are expecting a thrilling tournament.

‘We have some exciting talent in our group, and most of the players are U17s, so this is part of a good building process.

‘I am excited to see them in action, especially with this being the first time some of them are in the sevens environment, and it will be equally exciting for them.’

There was a late change to the team as Christiaan Smit was forced to pull out with a hamstring injury. Walter Visser, younger brother of Blitzboks player Impi, has been called up.

Tiaan Pretorius, son of former Cats and Pumas player Torros Pretorius, will captain the side.

SA U18 fixtures: 

Friday, 8 March
2:28pm – vs Barbarians
5:46pm – vs Zimbabwe
9:04pm – vs Namibia

Saturday, 9 March
09:50am – vs Germany
10:56am – vs Botswana