The Springbok Sevens are aiming for a sixth straight win at the Dubai SVNS tournament starting this morning with pool games against Australia, Kenya and France.
While they always tend to be quick out of the blocks in the first tournament of the new World Series, they will also look to have a consistent season to challenge for the overall title once again.
Independent Newspapers looks at five players who could be crucial to the Blitzboks’ challenge this weekend and throughout the season.
Day 1️⃣ fixtures loading… 🔥🏉
Dubai kicks off the #SVNS series on Saturday, 30 Nov, and here’s who we’re up against in Pool A:
⚡️ RSA 🇿🇦 vs AUS 🇦🇺
⚡️ RSA 🇿🇦 vs KEN 🇰🇪
⚡️ RSA 🇿🇦 vs FRA 🇫🇷South Africa, it’s game time! 🏆#PoweredByUnity | #Blitzboks | #Dubai7s pic.twitter.com/DmmQfsqoFA
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) November 29, 2024
Zain Davids
He will be a co-captain when the action starts today, but hopefully, the veteran forward can embrace the responsibilities and not have it impact his natural game
Known for his strong running and deceptive speed, Davids’s physicality will be crucial in all three pool matches, especially against Kenya.
France and Australia will bring physicality but also a different challenge and that never-say-die attitude of the Blitzboks’ co-captain on the attack and defence will be crucial if they are on the back foot.
Ricardo Duarttee
The ‘naughty boy’ of the Springbok Sevens will make his return to the national fold after spending some time away from the system due to a fallout with the coaches last season.
But he is back and ready to tear up the sevens pitch again. And the Blitzboks will need his unpredictability on the attack.
Affectionately known as Tricky Ricky, he has the ability to turn a game on its head with his fast feet and quick stepping, and if the South Africans want to score tries, he must be one of their weapons.
Tristan Leyds
The 27-year-old will have the task of general on his shoulders in his debut Dubai tournament, but he is ready to embrace the challenge and pressure that comes with running the South African attack.
In the absence of regular captain Selvyn Davids, the Blitzboks will look to the rookie to marshall their backline.
He stepped up massively since making his debut in Australia last year and there will be hopes that he can kick on and have a stronger second season in the national setup.
All set and ready 🔥#Dubai7s here we go! @Wasserman @WassermanRugby pic.twitter.com/i7JbZmjrf4
— Emirates Dubai 7s (@Dubai7s) November 29, 2024
Ryan Oosthuizen
The second-most experienced player in the side, Oosthuizen must lead the defensive efforts of the Blitzboks. He is one of the enforcers on the side and if he lays down a marker on defence, the rest will follow.
His breakdown play and ability to turn over possession at the tackle area will also be key to his team’s gameplan of wanting to steal balls and strike from broken play.
Expect Oosthuizen also to pop up on the wing to receive a crossfield kick or two from one of the playmakers in the team.
Quewin Nortje
The pace in the side. Nortje had a brilliant introduction to international sevens rugby and will hope he can kick on from his first season. He made his debut in Dubai so he is returning to happy hunting grounds.
The 21-year-old has already amassed 18 tries in six tournaments and will be keen to add to that tally and of course claim more medals after winning the Olympic bronze.
Dubai’s fast pitch will suit him and if the playmakers can bring him into the game, the defence will have trouble shutting the speedster down.
