‘I had an off-tournament in Dubai and must lift my game,’ said Blitzboks speedster Shilton van Wyk. Photo: BackpagePix
Every match will count for the Blitzboks, and they are dead-set on performing on their home turf in attempting to claim their first Cape Town SVNS title since the inaugural tournament back in 2015.
It’s been eight long years since the Springbok Sevens had success in the Mother City, and with a revamped tournament format, they know it will be crucial to win every game to wear the crown again.
The South Africans will only play two pool games on Saturday – against Ireland (11.44am) and Argentina (6.41pm) – in their search for a place in the semi-finals of the abbreviated format.
While there were quarter-final spots up for grabs in the Dubai SVNS last weekend, there will be none in Cape Town in the do-or-die format.
According to Blitzboks speedster Shilton van Wyk, they will have to win both pool games against tough opponents to ensure they progress.
And although they haven’t won here for a couple of years, the players will leave it all on the field to fight for the country and the Springbok emblem.
“There is a bit of pressure on us,” Van Wyk admitted.
“But we will do our best. The guys will go out and express themselves.
“I can assure you that it will be a better performance than last weekend. We are excited to play at home.”
The Blitzboks will be without regular captain Selvyn Davids and Ryan Oosthuizen, both of whom had to watch training from the sidelines yesterday morning.
Christie Grobbelaar also picked up a niggle in Dubai, and has been ruled out for this weekend.
Yesterday’s defence session at Bishops Diocesan College really put the Blitzboks through their paces, and Van Wyk believes the session will motivate the guys even more.
“These defence sessions are intense, but will give us confidence going into the weekend,” he said.
“It puts us in a better mindset, and we try to make the training tougher than the games. We push ourselves so that we are game-ready.
“I am also hoping, if I am selected, to feature more prominently this weekend. I had an off-tournament in Dubai and must lift my game. But I am ready to embrace that challenge.
“We have this back-to-zero session where we reset after consecutive tournaments. It’s just to get everyone on the same page.
“We had that session on Tuesday, and it helped us to realise another weekend (tournament) is waiting and that we have to keep our feet on the ground, stay humble, and be ready for what is coming.
“We get to play in front of our home fans once a year, and everyone knows the privilege that comes with it. I think we are ready to go play for the country.”
Former captain Siviwe Soyizwapi added that losing Oosthuizen and Grobbelaar was not ideal, but that he was ready to play his part at the Cape Town Stadium this weekend.
“They are both very physical players, so for me stepping into those roles will demand the same,” he said yesterday.
“I cannot be either of them, but I can be the best I can be, doing what is needed and expected from the coaches and fellow players.
“I realised last year that injury can finish your career when you least expect it, so I am grateful to still be playing.
“At my age and stage of career, I am playing every match as if it will be last – as I will do at this Cape Town tournament.
“I missed out last year, and that gave me a different perspective of what it means.
“Now, back on the field again and playing at home, I want to translate some of that passion in the stands into my play, and hopefully add value to a team effort that will leave all our fans proud and pleased.”
Head coach Philip Snyman will announce his final squad this afternoon.
Related Topics: