As Siviwe Soyizwapi laces up his boots for the upcoming Singapore Sevens, the rugby world buzzes with anticipation. Could this be the tournament where he overtakes Perry Baker's try-scoring record? Currently sitting at 25 tries, just four shy of Baker's 29, Soyizwapi is ready to make his mark on the green and gold once more, having not donned the jersey since last year's SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles.
With his eyes set on the record, Soyizwapi remains grounded, focusing on the broader team goals. "
'Being back in the squad makes one realise what a wonderful experience it is to play for the Blitzboks on the world stage,'
" he shared during the traditional captains photo op. Despite his personal ambitions, the seasoned player is all about the team, emphasizing the importance of upholding the high standards set by their Cape Town Sevens victory and ensuring the newer team members feel confident on the field.
Soyizwapi also highlighted the team's mix of experience and new blood, noting, "
'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.'
"
The Blitzboks are geared up for a challenging pool stage, where they will face Spain, Great Britain, and Fiji. The strategy is clear: start strong against Spain, build momentum against Great Britain, and be at their best for Fiji. Each game is a step towards consistency and perfection, with the squad drawing inspiration from past triumphs, including their memorable comeback win against Fiji in 2019.
This tournament is not just about continuing the legacy but also about laying a solid foundation for the rest of the season. The Blitzboks are not only looking to reignite the flames of past victories but also to cement their authority this season from the get-go.
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As Siviwe Soyizwapi laces up his boots for the upcoming Singapore Sevens, the rugby world buzzes with anticipation. Could this be the tournament where he overtakes Perry Baker's try-scoring record? Currently sitting at 25 tries, just four shy of Baker's 29, Soyizwapi is ready to make his mark on the green and gold once more, having not donned the jersey since last year's SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles.
With his eyes set on the record, Soyizwapi remains grounded, focusing on the broader team goals. "
'Being back in the squad makes one realise what a wonderful experience it is to play for the Blitzboks on the world stage,'
" he shared during the traditional captains photo op. Despite his personal ambitions, the seasoned player is all about the team, emphasizing the importance of upholding the high standards set by their Cape Town Sevens victory and ensuring the newer team members feel confident on the field.Soyizwapi also highlighted the team's mix of experience and new blood, noting, "
'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.'
"The Blitzboks are geared up for a challenging pool stage, where they will face Spain, Great Britain, and Fiji. The strategy is clear: start strong against Spain, build momentum against Great Britain, and be at their best for Fiji. Each game is a step towards consistency and perfection, with the squad drawing inspiration from past triumphs, including their memorable comeback win against Fiji in 2019.
This tournament is not just about continuing the legacy but also about laying a solid foundation for the rest of the season. The Blitzboks are not only looking to reignite the flames of past victories but also to cement their authority this season from the get-go.
Blitzboks squad: Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Nabo Sokoyi, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, Donavan Don, Sebastiaan Jobb, David Brits, Renaldo Young, Zander Reynders, Tristan Leyds, Luan Giliomee.
Blitzboks’ pool fixtures (SA times): Saturday 31 January - 6:54am vs. Spain, 10:20am vs. Great Britain, 1:46pm vs. Fiji.