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.
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.”