TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blitzboks squad for the Perth Sevens includes several changes and introduces two new players.
Blitzboks’ head coach, Sandile Ngcobo, has revamped the team for the upcoming Perth Sevens, the third of eight tournaments in the series. Selvyn Davids will continue to lead the team.
The squad welcomes two debutants: David Brits, a former Cheetahs midfielder, and Tristan Leyds from Western Province, as outside back. The team also sees the return of prop James Murphy and playmakers Donovan Don and Ricardo Duarttee, who missed the Dubai and Cape Town events last month.
Brits, a Currie Cup winner with the Cheetahs, and Leyds, whose brother Dillyn is a Springbok, transition from successful careers in fifteens. Duarttee, the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Rookie of the Year, and Murphy both played in the final 2023 series tournament in London. Don, after debuting in Hong Kong and playing in Singapore, had his season cut short due to a shoulder injury.
Ngcobo mentioned that key players like Impi Visser, Justin Geduld, Dewald Human, and Rosko Specman are resting and will return for the Vancouver and Los Angeles trips next month.
Ngcobo emphasized the team’s speed, stating, “We opted for fresh legs for this trip… The turnaround after Perth is short, so we decided to leave senior players at home for conditioning.”
Both Brits and Leyds, newcomers to sevens but experienced in fifteens, bring extensive rugby knowledge and a strong work ethic. The management is excited to see their impact on the sevens field.
Ngcobo is also optimistic about the return of Murphy, Don, and Duarttee. He highlighted their energy and individual strengths, with Duarttee returning refreshed after missing Dubai and Cape Town to refine his skills.
Despite a disappointing performance in Cape Town, Ngcobo is confident in the squad’s attitude, work ethic, and skill set. He anticipates a strong showing at the new venue, with the team eager to make their country proud.
