The USA has been a happy hunting ground for South Africa with five wins in the USA leg, while the Blitzboks also hold the record for the most titles at the Vancouver Sevens with three tournament victories in Canada.

This season has been a tough one for the Blitzboks with just one title to date, but the captain Siviwe Soyizwapi said they want to return to winning ways in America.

The skipper that although they have players in the squad that will be playing in the USA for the first time, they can turn things around during the North American leg of the World Series.

“Our last visit was not a great one,” said Soyizwapi.

“Normally we do very well on the North American leg – we have won in Los Angeles and before that in Las Vegas and we have won in Canada a week later, so the trip has been rewarding in the past.

“Last year though, we started poorly against the USA and then things just went from bad to worse.”

 “The new guys that came in have done well so far, with Ricardo Duarttee really impressive and Jaiden Baron showing he can play in Hamilton and Sydney.

 “With Ronald Brown and Mfundo Ndhlovu back, we have some real experience of performing on the circuit.

“We are excited for Travis Ismaiel as well, a class player who are very keen to contribute for this team.”

South Africa are in Pool B for the tournament along with Canada, Ireland and Uruguay.

The Blitzboks will kick-off their campaign in the City of Angels on Saturday at 21:49 against Canada.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport