Patience is the password for Blitzbokke | Rhewal

Justin Patience. (Photo: Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto)

The Blitzbok management will hope that the return of stars such as Justin Geduld, Dewald Human and Ronald Brown will give the team a much-needed adrenaline injection in Toulouse.

The South Africans currently occupy seventh place in the HSBC standings after disappointing performances in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Singapore.

“They are excellent playmakers; not only if you look at their abilities on the rugby field, but also at the value they add to the team,” said Sandile Ngcobo.

The experienced Geduld, who has already represented the Blitzbokke in 52 tournaments, last ran for the national sevens team at the beginning of 2022. Since then, a knee and hip injury has kept him on the sidelines.

“My main priority was to get back on the playing field and represent my country. I’m definitely ready for it,” Patience said.

According to the 29-year-old player, the creative skills of Brown and Human mean that there will not be as much pressure on him.

“There will not be much pressure on a specific player because we can all play a specific role and support each other. I have a lot of confidence in my teammates’ abilities and I know that we have prepared very well for the tournament.”

The Blitzbokke play their group matches against France, Fiji and the USA.

Friday:

14:35: Flash goats against France

21:03: Flash goats against Fiji

Saturday:

13:49: Blitzbokken vs USA

• Blitzbok group: Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, James Murphy, Ronald Brown, Dewald Human, Shakes Soyizwapi, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Christie Grobbelaar, Shaun Williams, Shilton van Wyk, Justin Geduld, Travis Ismaiel and Ricardo Duarttee.
• HSBC-sewespunteleer:

1. New Zealand: 164 points
2. Argentina: 140 points
3. Fiji: 130 points
4. France: 122 points
5. Australia: 112 points
6. Samoa: 111 points
7. South Africa: 106 points
8. USA: 94 points
9. Ireland: 92 points
10. Great Britain: 84 points