Johannesburg – The Springbok Sevens side get their new Sevens World Series season underway on Saturday morning (SA time) when they run out against Canada in their first Pool A match at the Gold Coast Sevens at Skilled Park.
The Blitzbokke, who will be aiming for a vastly improved performance this season, will meet the United States in the second match before their big clash of the day against current Series champions New Zealand.
Blitzbokke captain Kyle Brown said his team is determined to secure a good kick-off to the new World Series.
“All the guys are very excited to get on the field, it's been a great pre-season and build-up and we're looking forward to it,” said Brown.
“The team is quite a settled one with the inclusion of only two new caps, Reuben Johannes and Ruwellyn Isbell. I always feel that if we play up to our potential and play the rugby we know we can play then we definitely have a realistic chance at the Gold Coast.”
Brown admitted his team struggled last season with their defence, but promised a better showing over the weekend. “We did struggle a fair bit in defence last year. The defensive structure in Sevens is built around understanding each other and making your first time hits.
“Over the last couple weeks we've got to understand each other better, and as for first time hits, that comes down to the individuals making that decision to put his body on the line,” explained Brown.
Brown said his team would have what it takes to win the series.
“We're a team with unique strengths and we've got some tough boys too. The Series will be won by the team that plays the most consistently good rugby, and that's something we always strive towards.”
The Springbok Sevens fixtures on Saturday at the Gold Coast Sevens:
SA v Canada, SA v United States, SA v New Zealand. – Sapa