As reigning Sevens World Champions, South Africa arrived in the Middle East with an experienced unit and a firm intention to launch their campaign with authority as they chase a record-extending 12th Dubai title. But the Blitzboks’ path is anything but straightforward.

Their opener pits them against Olympic champions France, before group clashes with Argentina and Fiji – all heavyweight contenders in the revamped HSBC SVNS series. 

With virtually no margin for error, South Africa will need to find rhythm and intensity from the opening whistle.

Tristan Leyds. Photo: SA Rugby

New captain Impi Visser, who takes the reins for the first time on the international stage, believes his squad has both the experience and preparation to rise to the challenge.

“It will be a ‘no excuses’ weekend for us,” Visser said. “We came prepared, and we’re an experienced squad, so we just need to go out and make things happen on the field.

“We want to lay down a marker early and keep improving. We arrived as the top-ranked team and want to show that it’s still the case.”

Visser, one of the most seasoned players in the squad, stressed the importance of a strong start in a format where every slip carries consequences.

“It helps to have heaps of experience, especially in a game this fast and intense,” he added. “We shouldn’t be surprised by anything – not by our opponents or by the demands of the tournament.

“Every match is crucial, and mistakes will be punished, so we must keep our standards high from the start. There’s also the added incentive of helping coach Philip Snyman when it comes to building depth during the season. If we strengthen the system, we strengthen ourselves.”

Ryan Oosthuizen. Photo: SA Rugby

With their home leg in Cape Town looming next week, the Blitzboks are eager to generate early momentum and put down a performance that will ignite support on South African soil.

South Africa will open their Dubai Sevens account on Saturday at 11:32 against France – a fixture that will set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested weekend.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs