The Blitzboks will play in the opening match of the tournament when they come up against Canada later tonight.

The Canadians thoroughly tested the Blitzboks during the Cape Town Sevens, while playing in New Zealand will be a new experience for all but four of the South Africans.

The Blitzboks assistant coach and former captain, Philip Snyman, said there is something special about being successful in New Zealand.

"It’s always difficult to play in New Zealand, which is why our main message this week was to do all you can to hit your stride and get into the time zone as quickly as possible, while there were no excuses at training sessions," said Snyman.

"We had a couple of very good training sessions and the guys really pulled together. We are enjoying one another’s company, the players are playing cards, getting to know each other, and we are growing as a team.

"So, this weekend, our message is to play for the badge on your chest, play for each other, and make the most of this weekend in New Zealand."

The former Cheetahs winger, Snyman, added that in the modern game there is no such thing as an easy game, and he said that the Canadians proved this in December during the Cape Town Sevens.

"Everyone knows there are no easy games anymore," said Snyman.

"Like we had in Cape Town last month, we again have Canada first up, and there it took us six minutes to score our first try, so we know it’s not going to be easy. But I think if we hold onto our ball and defend the way we can, we have enough firepower to get over the line.

"Spain also showed in their opening match in Cape Town, where they beat New Zealand, that they have something to prove under their new coach. Their playing style is a little bit different, and we need to adapt to that as quickly as possible.

"But we’re taking things game by game. We want to lay a foundation against Canada and build on that."

Friday night’s game between South Africa and Canada kicks off at 22:10.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek