Much has been made of the fact that the Springbok Sevens, despite winning 40 HSBC SVNS tournaments on all continents, have not cracked gold at Hong Kong Stadium, and with the iconic tournament moving to a new venue next year, they will have one last shot at breaking that bogey.
One would expect some emotional baggage for this fairly experienced Blitzbok squad at the final event in the Son Ko Po suburb, but for one of the youngest squad members, history counts for nothing.
Quewin Nortje, who debuted for the team at the season opener in Dubai in December, entered the fray with no fear or favour and nothing else on his mind but to contribute to a winning effort.
Nortje, who also played for the Junior Boks last year, has now re-joined the Blitzbok squad, is kicking at his heels and can’t wait to tear up the turf in Hong Kong Stadium from Friday.
His memorable entry into sevens rugby, scoring in the final of his first event, was blighted by a hamstring injury sustained in Perth, and as a result, Nortje missed the North American leg of the World Series.
“It is great to be back,” said Nortje. “I was despondent when I broke down as most injuries put you back and I was enjoying myself out there.
“But I immediately changed my focus on the rehab process and how to get back to fitness again. It is important to rehab well, and I am pleased that I could come back in time for Hong Kong. I am ready to use my speed and chase kicks and whatever else is expected of me from the rest of the team.”
Nortje said his hamstring is feeling 100% and he is ready to play, and that his mind will be clear when he runs out at Hong Kong Stadium: “When (former Blitzbok) Chris Dry asked me when I will be ready and I said Hong Kong, he told me that is one tournament everyone wants to play in. The stadium and surrounding mountains create a buzz, he said.
“The scenery was indeed as he described it, so now it is just for me to go out there and give everything I have for the Blitzboks.”
