Key Blitzboks to watch in huge New Zealand duel at Vancouver Sevens

The Springbok Sevens will have to be switched on from their first match on Friday night to lay a good platform for the rest of the Vancouver Sevens tournament.

The South Africans find themselves in the ‘Pool of Death’ at BC Place with three other strong sides.

What could count in their favour is taking on the All Black Sevens (10.02pm SA time start) in the opener, as the clash will show them exactly how demanding the rest of the matches against Ireland (Saturday, 3.29am) and Australia (Saturday, 9.36pm) will be.

Independent Media looked at five Blitzboks that should spark the side as they challenge for another title in Canada...

Selvyn Davids

It's only his second tournament of the season, but he showed signs of big promise in Perth, where he spearheaded the Springbok Sevens attack to a fourth place.

Davids should be battle-ready for the games at BC Place, and the South Africans will look to the veteran to run the attack.

Whether he is a starter or brought on as a replacement, Davids can turn a game on its head with the swivel of his hips when stepping off his right or left foot.

That attacking instinct, and of course, his grubbers and chip kicks will be vital to beat New Zealand.

Tristan Leyds

The playmaker will feel the pressure in his return tournament after missing Perth. He was one of the backs that inspired the Blitzboks to victory in Cape Town in December.

But, a hand injury ruled him out for a bit, and he will look to contribute again in Canada. His side-steps on attack and game-breaking abilities will be vital when South Africa have possession.

Leyds’ kicking at goal, if he takes over the duties, will be crucial too. He has been working on his kicks while on the sidelines, and will be keen to contribute when they score tries.

Hello, Vancouver!🍁🇨🇦 The #Blitzboks have traded South African heat for the Great White North. 👉 Swipe for this weekend’s fixtures.#PoweredByUnity #HSBCSVNS #HSBCSVNSVAN pic.twitter.com/NPGmOlYEtJ

— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) February 20, 2025

Sebastiaan Jobb

Two years out of the game is a very long time, and so much has changed in sevens rugby. So, speedster Jobb will want to adapt quickly to make up for lost time in Canada.

Jobb will be eager to get back onto the scoring sheet with his quick feet and ability to round off when put into space.

He will know the feeling of being in the sevens wilderness and not wanting to return there. So, it will be an important weekend for him in his return to the national fold.

Jobb will also be cautious not to try and play outside of the system when looking to make his mark again, but rather allow the team to feed him.

Impi Visser

The rock of the Blitzboks’ scrum and defence, captain Impi Visser will have to spark from the onset to lead the team through the group stages and possible playoffs during the rest of the weekend.

Visser’s never-say-die attitude on defence, and sometimes covering the back-field when kicks are put in behind his teammates, will be crucial.

He won’t be afraid to put his body on the line, and that physicality will prove vital in the opener against the big New Zealanders.

Without fellow co-captain Zain Davids’ presence, Visser could be in for some crucial 14-minute games that could test his endurance and strength.

Ricardo Duarttee

‘Tricky Ricky’ returns to the hunting ground where he stood himself down last year and withdrew from the Vancouver SVNS after a fallout with the coaching staff of the Springbok Sevens.

After returning to the fold, the hot-stepper has been in excellent form, and led the side’s attack with aplomb.

He will hopefully have buried the bad memories of Canada to focus on what he does best: putting points on the board, or creating attacking space for the outside backs.

Duarttee has a nick for turning nothing into something on the attack, and that will be crucial if they are to top the pool.