Blitzboks Face Challenging Draw in Dubai for 2023/24 HSBC Sevens Series Opener
The South African national sevens rugby team, the Blitzboks, is gearing up for the first stop of the 2023/24 HSBC Sevens Series in Dubai, set to take place on 2-3 December 2023.
The upcoming season has been revamped and rebranded, featuring a shorter calendar with only 12 teams, down from the previous 16.
The Blitzboks had a disappointing 2022/23 season, finishing seventh overall, but they clinched their only tournament win in Dubai.
The Blitzboks are entering the new season with the aim of improving on their previous performance and making a strong start in Dubai.
New Format and Tough Draw for Blitzboks
The tournament’s format has been adjusted, with three pools of four teams each.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the Cup quarter-finals, while the third-placed teams will proceed to ranking matches.
The Blitzboks find themselves in Pool A alongside defending series champions New Zealand, Samoa, and Canada, setting the stage for challenging encounters.
The altered format adds an element of intensity and unpredictability, making the competition tougher for the participating teams, including the Blitzboks.
Blitzboks’ Pool Matches and Schedule
The Blitzboks’ pool matches in Dubai are scheduled as follows: a clash against Samoa on Saturday, 2 December at 08:50 (SA time), followed by a match against Canada at 12:58 (SA time), and concluding the pool phase with a challenging fixture against New Zealand at 18:44 (SA time).
The Blitzboks face strong opponents in their pool, and their performance in these matches will be crucial for their overall standing in the tournament.
Quarter-Finals and Beyond
The winners of Pool A will face the second-best third-place finisher in the quarter-finals on Sunday, 3 December at 08:58 (SA time).
Meanwhile, the runners-up in Pool A will go head-to-head with the winners of Pool C at 09:42 (SA time).
The ultimate prize, the Cup final, is scheduled for Sunday, 3 December at 17:53 (SA time).
The knockout stage presents a challenging path for the Blitzboks, and their strategy and performance in the pool matches will be crucial for their progress.
Anticipation for the New Season
As the Blitzboks prepare to kick off the revamped season, fans are eagerly anticipating their performance and hoping for an impressive start in Dubai.
The excitement and anticipation surrounding the start of the new season highlight the passion and support for the Blitzboks as they embark on their sevens rugby journey.