Although the Springbok Sevens side has already wrapped up the overall series crown, there is no sense of complacency within the camp. Instead, the focus remains firmly on maintaining their dominance and continuing to raise standards as they build towards the World Championship title.

At the beginning of the 2026 campaign, the Blitzboks made a commitment to create a squad culture and value system capable of conquering the world game. According to captain Impi Visser, that mission is still far from complete.

Gino Cupido. Photo: World Rugby

Recent success on the international stage has only strengthened the squad’s hunger for more silverware, with Visser insisting there are still “two more steps” to climb before they can consider their job done.

The South Africans completed their preparations in Valladolid after arriving in Spain late on Monday, which limited them to one demanding training session on Tuesday. 

Visser stressed they still have plenty of objectives to achieve this season, and it starts on the weekend with the tournament at Estadio José Zorrilla.

“We’ve achieved many of the goals we set ourselves at the start of the season, but we know the job isn’t finished yet,” said Visser.

“We’ve done plenty of good things so far, but we must keep reminding each other that there is still more to achieve. That mindset keeps the hunger alive in the squad.

“Even after the long trip, our training session was sharp and full of intensity. The warm weather here also suits us nicely, especially after the wet conditions back home last week.”

Ricardo Duarttee was a late inclusion for the last two tournaments of the season. Photo: World Rugby

One of the key reasons behind the Blitzboks’ outstanding campaign has been the consistency within the squad, with injuries having minimal impact throughout the season.

Visser confirmed Dewald Human, Ricardo Duarttee and Gino Cupido all return to the squad after missing the Hong Kong tournament, adding valuable depth and experience.

“All three guys have already featured during the regular season, so they slotted straight back in without any issues,” Visser explained.

Siviwe Soyizwapi. Photo: World Rugby

“We also had valuable time after Hong Kong to work on the finer details, sharpen our soft skills, and tweak a few strategies specifically for this tournament. We feel well prepared.”

Despite entering the competition as favourites, Visser warned that Pool A will provide a massive challenge, with Great Britain, Kenya and Australia all capable of causing problems if the Blitzboks are not fully switched on from the opening whistle.

“We started slowly in Hong Kong and had to fight hard to recover, and we definitely don’t want a repeat of that,” he admitted.

Blitzboks against Great Britain in Vancouver. Photo: World Rugby

“Great Britain is excellent around the breakdown, Kenya brings huge physicality, and Australia is incredibly skilful with ball in hand. It’s a very competitive pool, and we’ll need to be at our absolute best from the start.”

With confidence high and momentum firmly behind them, the Blitzboks now head into Valladolid determined to continue their remarkable run and further cement their status as the team to beat in world sevens rugby.

The Blitzboks will kick off their campaign in Spain on Friday at 12:34 when they face Great Britain, while at 17:08 they will be up against Kenya. On Saturday at 13:23 South Africa will come up against Australia.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm