New Blitzboks captain Stedman Gans knows they face a tough battle in the New Zealand Sevens this weekend.
Up against Japan, England and Kenya in a very competitive Pool B, the Blitzboks have to finish first if they want to make the knockouts.
Gans, who leads the team in the absence of injured skipper Siviwe Soyizwapi, is just soaking in the experience, saying: “I came into the team when Kyle Brown and then Philip Snyman were the captains and last year, Siviwe Soyizwapi took over.
Siviwe Soyizwapi captain of the South Africa Sevens team will want to make a good start in Dubai this weekend. Picture: BACKPAGEPIX
“They are great people and great players and I learned a lot from them, on and off the field.
“It is big shoes to fill, but the examples set were great, so I know what to do.
“I am very lucky to have some very experienced players around me.
“Branco du Preez and Chris Dry are the two most capped Blitzboks ever and Cecil Afrika is the leading points scorer of all time.
BLITZBOKS SWEEPER: Branco du Preez. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
“And they are playing next to me this weekend.
“It will help a lot as I can focus on my role as a player without having to worry about the rest of the guys.”