Old heads return for BlitzBoks

 

Stephan Dippenaar and Philip Snyman have both recovered from the knee injuries they sustained in Hong Kong and return to the squad in place of the Carel du Preez (who made his debut in Tokyo) and the injured Justin Geduld (hamstring) respectively.

 

The penultimate World Series tournament takes place on May 9 and 10 in Glasgow and the season concludes a week later with the ninth and last tournament of the season in London May 15 and 16.

 

South Africa is currently in the top position on the World Series standings after seven rounds, having won two Cup Finals (Dubai and Port Elizabeth) and qualifying for the semifinals of each of the previous seven tournaments.

 

The team will return to Glasgow, the venue of their Commonwealth Games triumph last year, and this time they face a daunting task to qualify for the quarterfinals.

 

South Africa will have to fight it out with New Zealand, Samoa and Kenya in Pool B for one of two group spots on offer in the Cup knockout stages.

 

The top four teams on the final World Series standings at the end of the season qualify automatically for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

 

Commenting on his selection for the UK tour, Springbok Sevens coach, Neil Powell said his players were aware of the enormous task awaiting them in Scotland.

 

“We are in a very tough pool and will have to fight all the way to qualify for the quarterfinals.

 

"v for us, so there will be no room for complacency,” cautioned Powell.

 

He added: “It is important that we don’t get ahead of ourselves and think about the title race and Olympic qualification.

 

"We intend to take each match in our stride, so the most important thing for us when we arrive in Glasgow will be our first pool match.

 

"We always strive for consistency and if we can achieve our team objectives in each of our matches, then I am sure the results will follow.

 

BlitzBoks: Chris Dry. Philip Snyman, Frankie Horne, Albertus Smith, Werner Kok, Kyle Brown (captain), Branco du Preez, Stephan Dippenaar, Ruhan Nel, Cecil Afrika, Seabelo Senatla, Rosko Specman.