BlitzBoks call on WP Under-21 star

 

The versatile Snyman sustained a knee ligament injury while playing for the BlitzBoks on Saturday in Hong Kong.

 

Du Preez is currently contracted to the SA Sevens Academy and he has already played a couple of times for the Academy at tournaments in George, Dubai and Harare.

 

The tall loose forward represented Western Province in the Under-21 competition last year.

 

He has impressed the SA Sevens coaching staff since his switch to the shorter code at the end of last year.

 

The Japanese tournament (in Tokyo) is Round Seven of the Sevens World Series, which consists of nine rounds overall.

 

South Africa managed to stay in the lead for the coveted title after collecting 17 points for their third-place effort in Hong Kong.

 

They are just two points in front of Hong Kong winners, Fiji, and three ahead of New Zealand.

 

Meanwhile, World Rugby has confirmed the pool draw for the Tokyo Sevens in Japan, which takes place on April 4 and 5.

 

After their third win of the season in Hong Kong, Fiji are top seeds and head Pool A, while runners-up New Zealand, third-placed South Africa and the fourth-placed Samoa lead the remaining pools.

 

This season carries added significance because the top four ranked sides after the final round in London in May, will qualify directly for the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.

 

Current series leaders South Africa will face USA, Canada and Kenya in Pool C, while Samoa will tackle Argentina, France and host nation Japan in Pool D.

 

Fiji were drawn alongside England, Wales and Hong Kong in Pool A. New Zealand will again face Australia in Pool B along with Scotland and Portugal.

 

 

Pool A: Fiji, England, Wales, Hong Kong.

Pool B: New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Portugal.

Pool C: South Africa, USA, Canada, Kenya

Pool D: Samoa, Argentina, France, Japan