Visser: We trained for this opportunity from the start

The Springbok Sevens squad made it an objective at the start of their 2026 HSBC SVNS Series to finish in the top four of each of the six tournaments, to win tournaments and ultimately, claim honours as series champions.

Now, a day before the HSBC SVNS New York, the Blitzboks are tied at the top of the standings with Fiji and who ever does best at the Sports Illustrated Stadium this weekend, will lay claim to exactly the title.

For Blitzbok captain Impi Visser, this final tournament is also significant as he will play in his 50th world series event, a notable achievement in any player’s career. He will become the 12th Springbok Sevens player to reach this milestone.

“I did not overthink that, to be honest, as there are more important things on this trip but yes, as it approaches, I do appreciate the occassion with gratitude,” said Visser.

“Some great names in our game have achieved this, so to emulate that is special. Also, as you never know what the future holds, I treasure every time I wear the jersey. I hope to still be around for the next Olympic Games but that is not in my hands.”

What is in their hands, Visser admits, is the drive and execution to win the first HSBC SVNS New York tournament and in doing so, claim the overall title. The Blitzboks won the World Championship in Los Angeles last year and over the decades of the world series, also in places such as Las Vegas.

“We wanted to be in this position when we came together as a group and now we are, so the final hurdle is ours to conquer,” he said.

“In previous tournament cycles, we were poor in the first one and then rebounded in the second, like we did in Cape Town and Perth, so to have won the first one is positive for us.

“It is all about regroup and refocus and get ready to get the job done. We are in a good space, we trained well and I think our recovery was good. So now for the final push but everyone is ready for this, I believe.”

Head-to-head

New Zealand: Played 109, won 42; Average score: 15-19. Last match: Won 17-12 in Vancouver.

France: Played 75, won 63; Average score 23-10. Last match: Lost 12-5 in Singapore.

Australia: Played 115, won 75; Average score: 17-13. Last match: Won 19-12 in Vancouver.

Blitzboks’ pool schedule in New York

Saturday (SA times)

5.06pm v New Zealand

8.02pm v France

10.58pm v Australia

Standings

1 Fiji – 86 pts

2 South Africa – 86

3 New Zealand – 70

4 Australia – 68

5 France – 64

Springbok Sevens squad for HSBC SVNS New York

#2 Ryan Oosthuizen – 61 tournaments, 270 points (54 tries)

#3 Impi Visser (captain) – 49 tournaments, 240 points (48 tries)

#7 Ronald Brown – 23 tournaments, 484 points (50 tries, 117 conversions)

#8 Selvyn Davids – 45 tournaments, 744 points (98 tries, 127 conversions, 1 penalty)

#10 Dewald Human – 32 tournaments, 328 points (30 tries, 89 conversions)

#11 Siviwe Soyizwapi – 63 tournaments, 800 points (160 tries)

#15 Donavan Don – 13 tournaments, 113 points (21 tries, 4 conversions)

#16 Sebastiaan Jobb – 7 tournaments, 55 points (11 tries)

#19 David Brits – 14 tournaments, 60 points (12 tries)

#24 Tristan Leyds – 16 tournaments, 179 points (23 tries, 32 conversions)

#28 Grant de Jager – 1 tournament, 0 points

#31 Jayden Nel – uncapped

#35 Gino Cupido – 2 tournament, 25 points (5 tries)

2026 HSBC SVNS schedule

29-30 November: Dubai - NZL/NZL

6-7 December: Cape Town - SA/AUS

31 January-1 February: Singapore - FIJI/NZL

7-8 February: Perth - SA/NZL

7-8 March: Vancouver - SA/NZL

14-15 March: New York

17-19 April: Hong Kong (World Championship Series, Round 1)

29-31 May: Valladolid (World Championship Series, Round 2)

5-7 June: Bordeaux (World Championship Series, Round 3)