Blitzboks captain Impi Visser says the regular season finale in New York this weekend is what the team have been training for all season.
The Springbok Sevens squad had set out to to finish at least in the top four of each of the six tournaments which make up the SVNS series – along with tournament wins – in their quest to be crowned series champions.
Ahead of the sixth and final tournament at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in the Big Apple the Blitzboks are tied at the top of the standings with Fiji, with only points difference separating the two teams. Whoever does best, will be series winners.
“We wanted to be in this position when we came together as a group and now we are, so the final hurdle is ours to conquer,” said Visser who will play in his 50th World Series event this weekend. He will become the 12th Springbok Sevens player to reach this milestone.
“I did not overthink that, to be honest, as there are more important things on this trip, but yes, as it approaches, I do appreciate the occasion with gratitude,” said Visser.
“Some great names in our game have achieved this, so to emulate that is special. Also, as you never know what the future holds, I treasure every time I wear the jersey. I hope to still be around for the next Olympic Games, but that is not in my hands.”
MORE: Blitzboks happy to do ‘donkey work’ in Big Apple
For now though, Visser and the Blitzboks are focused on winning the first New York tournament – and with that, the overall title.
South Africa have won three out of the five tournaments so far, being crowned champions in Cape Town, Perth and most recently in Vancouver. New Zealand won in Dubai while Fiji emerged victorious in Singapore.
The six tournaments lead into the three-event World Championship which take place between April and June in Hong Kong, Valladolid in Spain, and Bordeaux in France.
The Blitzboks won the single-tournament World Championship in Los Angeles last year.
“It is all about regroup and refocus and get ready to get the job done,” Visser said.
“We are in a good space, we trained well and I think our recovery was good. So now for the final push, but everyone is ready for this, I believe.”
RUSHING RON: I go from zero to 100!
Blitzboks pool matches in New York
Saturday 14 March (SA times)
vs New Zealand (5:06pm)
vs France (8:02pm)
vs Australia (10:58pm)
SVNS standings
1. Fiji – 86 pts
2. South Africa – 86
3. New Zealand – 70
4. Australia – 68
5. France – 64
Blitzboks squad – Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser (c), Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Dewald Human, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Donavan Don, Sebastiaan Jobb, David Brits, Tristan Leyds, Grant de Jager, Jayden Nel, Gino Cupido.
Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
The post Impi: Blitzboks ready for final push appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
