Preview: Las Vegas Sevens
There will be some motivation for the South African Sevens outfit though as Branco du Preez is keen to taste success again in the Sam Boyd Stadium when he runs out in his 50th tournament.
However, this landmark will only be special if they manage to clinch another title, Du Preez said. He was part of all three Blitzboks squads that have won titles in Las Vegas since the USA leg of the World Series moved there in 2010.
"I have tasted success here and it's a good feeling. In a way, it is nice to play my 50th tournament here, because Las Vegas has been good to me in the past," he said.
Du Preez paid tribute to all those who helped him along the way to become only the fourth South African player to play 50 tournaments, following in the footsteps of Frankie Horne (68), Kyle Brown (57) and Chris Dry (56).
"I am sure there were a couple of people who did not expect me to get to this mark, but here I am. This was due to hard work, but first and foremost it was because of my parents, who always had my back.
"Then all my coaches through the years and now, my Blitzboks brothers. It is a massive honour. The best way to celebrate this will be for us to do well in this tournament. I also want to thank all the fans of our team and everybody in South Africa who supports us. We will be playing for you as well this weekend," he added.
Pool A: South Africa, Wales, France, Canada
Pool B: England, USA, Samoa, Chile
Pool C: New Zealand, Argentina, Russia, Kenya
Pool D: Australia, Fiji, Japan, Scotland
Schedule:
(Kick-off is local – GMT minus eight hours)
Friday, March 3
Fiji v Japan – 16.09
Australia v Scotland – 16.31
Argentina v Russia – 16.53
New Zealand v Kenya – 17.15
United States v Samoa – 17.37
England v Chile – 17.59
Wales v France – 18.21
South Africa v Canada – 18.43
Fiji v Scotland – 19.08
Australia v Japan – 19.30
Argentina v Kenya – 19.52
New Zealand v Russia – 20.14
United States v Chile – 20.36
England v Samoa – 20.58
Wales v Canada – 21.20
South Africa v France – 21.42
Saturday, March 4
Japan v Scotland – 13.28
Australia v Fiji – 13.50
Russia v Kenya – 14.12
New Zealand v Argentina – 14.36
Samoa v Chile – 14.58
England v Unites States – 15.24
France v Canada – 15.46
South Africa v Wales – 16.08
Challenge Trophy playoff – 18.48
Challenge Trophy playoff – 19.10
Challenge Trophy playoff – 19.32
Challenge Trophy playoff – 19.54
Cup Quarterfinal – 20.16
Cup Quarterfinal – 20.38
Cup Quarterfinal – 21.00
Cup Quarterfinal – 21.22
