Favourable home draw for Blitzboks
After a fifth consecutive title in Dubai, the South African sevens side will hope to make homeground advantage count this weekend.
The Blitzboks, who started their 2024 sevens campaign on a high note in Dubai, will run out in Cape Town as the top seeds for the tournament this weekend.
The South Africans yesterday beat Argentina to claim a fifth consecutive crown in the desert, and have been drawn in Pool A with Ireland, Great Britain and the US for what promises to be an action-packed two days of rugby at Cape Town Stadium.
Argentina will face Fiji, France and Spain in Pool B, while defending champions Samoa will face old foes, New Zealand, as well as Australia and Canada in Pool C.
Unbeaten in the pool stage in Dubai on Saturday, the Blitzboks outplayed Australia and Fiji before beating Argentina 12-7 in the final.
“Coach Sandile deserves a lot of credit for preparing the squad so well over the last couple of months,” said Snyman. “The rest of our management also deserve this win, everyone did more than was asked.”
Recap: Blitzboks complete five-peat in Dubai
Does this look familiar to you?
Congratulations to all involved. Well played #Blitzboks. Now come and support them in Cape Town next weekend! @WeBuyCars_SA @McDonalds_SA #PoweredByUnity pic.twitter.com/ccfcz56JCA— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) December 3, 2023
“The way they worked, based on defence, also showed their willingness to work off the ball and cover each other’s backs and that is a wonderful thing for coaches to see.”
Snyman, too, commended newcomers Quewin Nortje and Katlego Letebele, adding: “They really bring energy to the group and if you add that to the calm heads and experience of the older players, it is a good formula for success.
“We said we want to write a new book this year and the first chapter was a good one.”
“This is a tough team to get selected for, as there are a lot of good players back home that could have been here as well,” Davids said. “We really push each other and that is a good thing.
“I want to thank those back in Stellenbosch for this win, it is for them as well. They worked just as hard as we did to make it happen.”
The sweltering conditions in Dubai also helped the Blitzboks in performing well, he added.
“We train in Stellenbosch and believe me, it is as hot there. So, when we come here, coupled with the good support from the Dubai crowd, we feel at home,” Davids said.
Women’s Cape Town pools:
Pool A: Australia, Fiji, Japan, Spain.
Pool B: New Zealand, Ireland, Brazil, Great Britain.
Pool C: France, Canada, USA, South Africa.
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