Blitzboks aim to use Dubai to kick it off

THE Springbok Sevens have set their sights on going back-to-back in Cape Town this December, as they look to defend their title.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

But to achieve that short-term goal, they know that a strong start this weekend in Dubai - the opening tournament of the revamped World Rugby SVNS Series — is nonnegotiable if they want to build the momentum needed for their home event.

Dubai has traditionally been a good hunting ground for the Blitzboks, but with the new sudden-death nature of the tournaments, every match becomes crucial. South Africa understands that laying a solid foundation in the United Arab Emirates will go a long way not just towards achieving their ambitions in the Mother City, but also towards setting the tone for the season ahead.