Blitzbok coach Neil Powell is hoping that the return of a number of star players can spark the team’s title defence.
The South African Sevens side have had a slow start to this season’s World Sevens Series, with the holders already nine points off the top of the standings after the Dubai and Cape Town legs.
But with captain Philip Snyman, Justin Geduld and Werner Kok recovering from injuries and the experienced Chris Dry back in the squad for the upcoming two legs in Australasia, Powell is more upbeat ahead of the New Zealand tournament next weekend.
Snyman will again lead the side after missing the second day of action in Cape Town with a shoulder niggle, while Geduld and Kok, who underwent minor surgery for knee and facial injuries last month, have also been declared fit to play Down Under.
Forward Dry returns to action for the first time in more than a year after he was ruled out with a knee injury 14 months ago and underwent rehab.
Chris Dry. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
There are two changes among the backs to the side that finished third in Cape Town last month.
Stedman Gans, who last played in London in June, comes in for Rosko Specman, who has joined the Bulls.
And Powell says: “We had a slower start than usual to the season, so the next two legs will be important for us to keep on improving.
POWERHOUSE: Werner Kok. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
“It is comforting to have 10 players from our last tournament available for selection again as we always look for continuity and consistency.
“However, the three new players, Chris, Stedman and JC Pretorius [reserve player], have been training with us since late last year.
“We had a good couple of weeks since the Christmas break and everyone is keen to deliver a performance all can be proud of.”
PLAYMAKER: Justin Geduld. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
Of Dry’s inclusion, the boss adds: “I am pleased to have Chris back as he will contribute experience and leadership.
"He worked really hard to get back in the team and to be able to play at the required level. His determination is commendable and will add to the resilience of the squad.”
The Springbok Sevens squad for New Zealand Sevens
Chris Dry
(64 tournaments; 460 points)
Philip Snyman
(captain – 56 tournaments; 351 points)
Impi Visser
(2 tournaments; 10 points)
Zain Davids
(15 tournaments; 50 points)
Werner Kok
(39 tournaments; 450 points)
Kyle Brown
(67 tournaments; 435 points)
Branco du Preez
(63 tournaments; 1 182 points)
Selvyn Davids
(7 tournaments; 102 points)
Justin Geduld
(38 tournaments; 872 points)
Dewald Human
(6 tournaments; 79 points)
Siviwe Soyizwapi
(20 tournaments; 310 points)
Stedman Gans
(11 tournaments; 60 points)