Blitzboks stalwart Ryan Oosthuizen will rack up a private milestone at the Hamilton Sevens in New Zealand this weekend when he’ll play in his thirty fifth World Sevens Series event for the Springbok Sevens facet.
Oosthuizen is presently in Hamilton with the Blitzboks the place they’re making ready for the approaching weekend’s NZ version on the World Series, the fourth event of the 2023 season.
Long established as an everyday characteristic in the workforce, Oosthuizen has performed 169 matches to date in his 34 World Series occasions, scoring 37 tries in the method.
ALSO READ: Blitzboks get fortunate with Hamilton Sevens pool draw
Oosthuizen eager to star for Blitzboks in his look at New Zealand Sevens
“This is my sixth year with the Springbok Sevens but actually my first time in New Zealand – I’ve been around the block, but personally, this is exciting for me because it’s my first time in New Zealand,” mentioned Oosthuizen from Hamilton on Monday.
South Africa will likely be aiming to bounce again on Kiwi soil after falling brief in their residence event in Cape Town final month, the place they completed fourth after a heart-breaking further time defeat to eventual champions Samoa in the semi-final.
Oosthuizen reckons the data of former Blitzbok skipper Philip Snyman, these days the workforce’s assistant coach, might show to be worthwhile for his or her Australasian tour (they head to Australia subsequent week for the Sydney event).
“Fortunately for us, we have someone like Philip on the coaching staff who has the experience of playing many times over here (during his Blitzboks career),” mentioned Oosthuizen, who made his 34th World Series look for South Africa together with Zain Davids in Cape Town.
“He advised us what to count on from a time zone and sleeping perspective, so we’re nicely ready in that regard.
“After not beginning too nicely in Hong Kong final November, we had a very good sincere chat afterwards to rectify issues and we obtained the win in Dubai.
“The team fell short in Cape Town and while some of the regulars have moved onto fifteens, we did manage to add some exciting young players that we’re looking to test on the circuit,” mentioned Oosthuizen, including that their predominant focus for the season is consistency over the 11 World Series tournaments.
“We set our target for fourth place (and automatic Olympic Games qualification) and currently we are tied for first position. Our immediate goal is to stick to the process and what the coaches want from us, and take it one game at a time.”
ALSO READ: Blitzboks wave goodbye to three extra stalwarts from World Rugby Sevens Series
Boland’s Baron beaming with pleasure
Oosthuizen isn’t the one participant who will attain a private milestone this weekend, because the Hamilton event will sign the beginning of his Blitzboks profession for newcomer Jaiden Baron.
The former Boland Kavaliers speedster travelled with the Blitzboks to New Zealand, the place he’s due to make his Springbok Sevens debut in Hamilton, and he’s understandably bursting with pleasure to signify South Africa.
“I am very excited to be part of the Blitzboks squad and to be honest, the whole experience must still sink in,” mentioned Baron.
“I discovered loads at the SA Sevens ‘A’ squad, however this can be a huge step up for me and I’m actually wanting ahead to the expertise. Personally, the fact kicked in after we landed in New Zealand.
“Coming from a small village (Port Alfred Hamlet) you can imagine what an opportunity this is for someone like me, and I want to represent my village by giving my absolute best for the team.”
South Africa will open the event with a Pool D conflict in opposition to Canada on Saturday 21 January, earlier than matches in opposition to Spain and Argentina later in the day.
ALSO READ: Boland’s Baron to debut for Blitzboks
Blitzboks fixtures (SA time):
Friday, 10.10pm – vs Canada
Saturday, 01.38am – vs Spain
Saturday, 04.44am – vs Argentina
Photos: Twitter: @Blitzboks