AUDIO: BlitzBoks primed for group of death

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fresh from their triumph in Dubai, the BlitzBoks have another tricky challenge this weekend in Cape Town.

The South Africa Sevens will have to produce yet another top-class performance this weekend as their face USA, Fiji and Japan in Pool A.

The USA have been in fine form in recent years, with the likes Carlin Isles and Perry Baker they are always a huge threat. They reached every semi-final on the 2019 series to finish second in the World Series.

While the Series Champions, Fiji will want to bounce back after their horrendous showing at the Dubai Sevens. The high-flying Fijians missed out on the Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 21 years and finished ninth in the Dubai.

However, Blitzbok forward Dylan Sage, who will be back at the Cape Town Stadium for the first time in three years, reveals his side will not lack any motivation come Friday.

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“Cape Town is that one chance we get to play at home, and we need to use that opportunity,” said Sage.

“The bodies are sore after Dubai and the long flight home but being welcomed at the airport like we were with a band playing and fans waiting, and then having a good night's rest at home is more than enough to perk you up again.

“We have closed the door on Dubai and will start the week fresh. New challenges await in Cape Town. We have a tough pool and the teams will be coming for us, so will have to be ready for that.”

Fellow forward, Ryan Oosthuizen, concurred with Sage: “It is great to be back at home. The people at the airport were clearly excited to share the win in Dubai with us and we appreciate that.

“We really enjoy the support from the people back home and playing in Cape Town is a great, because we can return the compliment,” said Oosthuizen, who added the Blitzboks will start afresh when they re-assemble on Monday.

“You need to be able to switch off and on again in the World Series. The Dubai event is gone, we did well and are happy about our performance, but now everyone starts at scratch again,” he said.

Springbok Sevens coach, Neil Powell, has added Hacjivah Dayimani to the Blitzboks squad for the tournament. He replaces Christie Grobbelaar who traveled to Dubai as 13th player. Powell will name his final 12-man tournament squad on Thursday.