Blitzboks must be mentally sharp

Siviwe Soyizwapi says the Blitzboks need to be switched on from the start of their SVNS World Championship campaign in Los Angeles this weekend.

The Springbok Sevens finished fourth on the Sevens Series regular-season standings after six tournaments after just one tournament win (in Cape Town).

For the eight-team season finale, South Africa have been drawn in Group A with Argentina, France and Great Britain. The top two teams progress to the semi-finals.

In the Blitzboks’ last meeting with Great Britain, at the Singapore Sevens earlier this month, Sebastiaan Jobb’s early red card and Dewald Human’s yellow card later on contributed to a heavy 38-10 defeat.

Soyizwapi said they couldn’t afford such lapses in LA.

“I think it’s important that every player makes sure they’re mentally prepared for every game,” he told Netwerk24.

“When every player is ready when we step onto the field and are focused on the here and now, then we have seven players who are ready to perform well and make as few mistakes as possible. In a sevens match, there’s not a lot of time to come back [when mistakes are made].”

MORE: Blitzboks beef up for Champs challenge

The 32-year-old veteran is set to make his 60th Seven Series tournament appearance, and remains as motivated as ever to perform.

“My family is the most important reason why I do this. Every day when I wake up, I want to make sure that I make not only them but also myself proud.

“It is an opportunity and a privilege to be able to still play. Those little things drive me to still get up every morning and to inspire others in the process.”

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Blitzboks’ pool fixtures:
Saturday, 3 May
vs France (9:12pm)
Sunday, 4 May
vs Great Britain (12:13am)
vs Argentina (3:46am)

Photo: @Blitzboks/X