Two Blitzboks veterans say there is a real belief in the Blitzboks squad heading into the fifth leg of the World Rugby Sevens series this week.
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There is a real belief amongst the players in the Blitzboks squad that they are improving as a team and doing the right things well has become a blueprint for them, according to experienced forward Ryan Oosthuizen, who arrived in Hong Kong this week for a seventh time as a Blitzbok.
RYAN OOSTHUIZEN: ‘This is why I’m still going’
“We are really in a good space,” said Oosthuizen.
“There is a genuine bond amongst the guys, who enjoy each other’s company off the field too and that makes for a happy squad who are prepared to work for each other on the field.
“That bodes well for this weekend, where we will face three tough pool opponents in Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand.
“It was almost unreal to think back to 2017 when I came here as a young kid making my debut and now, all these years on, I am almost 30 and about to become a dad. What a journey it has been for me. A wonderful journey, I might add.”
Oosthuizen, who will be playing in his 54th sevens tournament, said the improvements are real: “We can see the results of the hard work and although we have only reaped some rewards, we are really buying into the coaching philosophy and structure.
“Adding to that, our management team are also doing great things. Our strength and conditioning coach, Ghafoer Luckan, keeps us fit, but also fresh for each challenge. That is probably why I am still going, thanks to our medical staff.”
ZAIN DAVIDS: ‘We’re in a good space’
For Zain Davids, who made his debut with Oosthuizen in 2017, this return to Hong Kong will be memorable as well, as he had to overcome a knee injury sustained in Perth and won the race against time to be fit for the trip to Asia.
“I agree with Ryan, our medical team did wonders and still do,” said Davids.
“I had to push hard to get back to a level where I could put myself back into the selection fray and thanks to the medical team’s interventions and support I did so. I am really looking forward to this tournament.”
After 50 world series tournaments, Davids’s assessment of his team seems valid: “We are in a good space. Our defence is good and we have players with some amazing flair on attack. Add to that the fact that we do play for each other has a positive outcome for all of us.”
BLITZBOKS’ POOL B FIXTURES (SA TIMES):
Friday, 28 March
Blitzboks vs Uruguay – 11:56am
Blitzboks vs Australia – 2:39pm
Saturday, 29 March
Blitzboks vs New Zealand – 7:43am
SELECTED BLITZBOK STATS IN HONG KONG:
Most points: Cecil Afrika (192), Branco du Preez (148), Justin Geduld (106).
Most tries: Cecil Afrika (22), Fabian Juries (17), Seabelo Senatla (17).
Most conversions: Branco du Preez (44), Justin Geduld (23).
BLITZBOKS SQUAD FOR HONG KONG SEVENS:
Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser (co-captain), Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Selvyn Davids (co-captain), Dewald Human, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, Quewin Nortje, Donavan Don, Gino Cupido, Zander Reynders, Tristan Leyds.
HOW WELL DO YOU THINK THE BLITZBOKS WILL DO IN HONG KONG?
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