Veteran forward Impi Visser says the Dubai Sevens presents the Blitzboks with the perfect place to start to atone for last season’s poor campaign.
There are familiar comforts in Dubai for the Springbok Sevens team, with the knowledge that a good track record and some passionate support await them at The Sevens Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
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Despite that, the Blitzboks will not take anything for granted. In fact, it is quite the opposite according to experienced forward Impi Visser, who said they are eager to right the wrongs of last season’s SVNS.
The Blitzboks started off with a great tournament win in Dubai, but did not meet their standards for the remainder of the series, neither that of their supporters, with only 12 wins in their last 30 outings.
That hurt was part of the determination and drive towards a better 2024 season, according to Visser.
“For our squad, Dubai has good memories,” Visser, who will be playing in his 33rd tournament, said on Wednesday.
“This will be my seventh appearance at the tournament, first with the Sevens Academy and later as a Blitzbok player on the World Series, with a couple of wins included.
“Many of us made our debuts here and handing out training jerseys to our two uncapped players, Quewin Nortje and Katlego Letebele, at training today, reminded many of us how special this jersey and journey is.
“And that we did not always do the jersey proud last season. That hurt and will make us determined to use this opportunity to rectify that.”
The Springbok Sevens squad takes on Samoa, Canada and New Zealand in Pool A of the tournament.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
