BLITZBOKS ON THE HUNT IN SINGAPORE

BLITZBOK captain Siviwe Soyizwapi could become the record holder for most tries at the National Stadium this weekend, but he won’t be chasing milestones at the SVNS Singapore. 

Instead, he will be focused on maintaining the standards the team set by winning the last leg of the world series innie Kaap and on ensuring that the younger players in the team play with confidence.  

Soyizwapi said: “We have a balanced side, but we are short of experience and will be tested with our key

playmakers not here. For the experienced core, our role will be to make sure those new guys settle in and play the game they were selected for.

“They are not here by luck; they are here because they have the talent and the opportunity to show that.”

Soyizwapi makes a return to the span for the first time since the SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles last year, as a replacement for Impi Visser, who is rested.  

With 25 tries to his name, the 33-year-old forward could pass the current tournament try-scoring record of USA wing Perry Baker (29) in his ninth appearance in Singapore, but wants to rather make sure the Springbok Sevens are in tune with the game plan and execution.

The Blitzboks are in Pool A alongside Spain, Great Britain, and Fiji. They kick off their tournament against Spain on Saturday (6.54am), before facing Great Britain at 10.20am and Fiji at 1.46pm.

Soyizwapi added: “With only eight teams, pools are very similar from one tournament to the next, so for us consistency is very important.

“We need to find that groove against Spain in the first game, then keep building against Great Britain and hopefully have our game perfect when we face Fiji. If we can do that, it will be a good weekend. We will come prepared.”

The Blitzboks top the world series standings after two tournaments, and will be keen to build on their success in Cape Town in December.