The Springbok Sevens team go into Friday’s opening day of the HSBC France Sevens at the Stade Ernest-Wallon with the knowledge that they came prepared and can retain their lead at the top of the series standings, according to SA Rugby.
The last-minute setback of Selvyn Davids being withdrawn on medical grounds is in the past and his replacement, Dalvon Blood, slotted in seamlessly during preparations.
The Blitzboks want to bounce back from some wobbly performances in Singapore and Vancouver.
Captain Siviwe Soyizwapi said their pool is similar to the one they played in when in Canada, where they lost to Samoa in the cup quarter-finals.
He said:
Soyizwapi added, “Spain showed us in our previous encounter how well they can keep the ball alive and we will not take them lightly. Ireland have been doing very well in recent times and have been together as a team for a while now, so they are formidable opponents.
“Samoa’s physicality proved a challenge for us last time around, so we need to be better.”
They face Ireland at noon on Friday and Spain at 6.28 pm. On Saturday, they encounter Samoa at 12.22 pm.
Pools:
A: Argentina, England, Canada, Japan.
B: Fiji, France, Wales, Kenya.
C: Australia, NZ, Scotland, USA.
D: Samoa, SA, Ireland, Spain.