Zander Reynders says the Blitzboks will need to dominate up front against Fiji and New Zealand on Saturday.
Reynders returns to Cape Town Stadium a very different player to the wide-eyed rookie who made his Blitzboks debut in the Mother City a year ago.
Now an established member of the squad – and a world champion after South Africa’s title-winning run in Los Angeles – the 24-year-old says the Blitzboks are bracing for a brutal opening day of the Cape Town Sevens.
South Africa have been drawn in a stacked Pool A, alongside Dubai champions New Zealand, Fiji and Great Britain, with only the top two progressing to Sunday’s semi-finals.
“Being back here makes me realise how fortunate I am,” Reynders said at training. “Last year everything was a rush. Now I know my role, I understand my responsibilities, and I’m enjoying the experience a lot more.”
Reynders’ rise has been rapid. Drafted into the wider squad only 12 months ago, he grabbed his chance when Ryan Oosthuizen was concussed in Dubai and helped the Blitzboks win their first Cape Town title since 2015. He went on to feature in every tournament for the rest of the season.
The 1.91m forward was one of South Africa’s standouts in Dubai last weekend, scoring two tries, gaining 115m from eight ball-carries, and having a 73% tackle completion rate.
“We are playing New Zealand and Fiji in our opening two games – both are big and physical,” said Reynders.
“That means that we as forwards will have to counter that and make sure we dominate up front.
“If we can get momentum up front and control there, our backs will have space to play and express themselves. And we have seen how devastating they can be.”
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This time around, Reynders will also be able to focus on the game.
“I could plan better with regards to tickets for family and having some friends to come and watch me, as last year it was a bit tight.
“It helps that I get married in a short while and many of our wedding guests made an early trip to Cape Town to come and watch me play.”
Blitzboks’ pool fixtures
Saturday, 6 December
vs Fiji, 12:44pm
vs New Zealand, 4pm
vs Great Britain, 7:41pm
Photo: David van der Sandt/Gallo Images
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