New recruit Grant de Jager embracing Blitzboks culture as he targets Cape Town debut
New Blitzbok recruit Grant de Jager says he's been inspired by the team's trademark work ethic as he aims for a spot at the Cape Town Sevens tournament in December.
The Springbok Sevens squad heads into the final leg of the season sitting fourth overall after six tournaments, with their only tournament win coming on home turf in Cape Town. Now, grouped with heavyweights Argentina, France, and Great Britain in a tough Group A, the Blitzboks face a do-or-die battle to reach the semi-finals.
The recent bruising 38-10 loss to Great Britain in Singapore is still fresh. A red card for Sebastiaan Jobb and a yellow for Dewald Human proved costly—mistakes Soyizwapi says simply can't happen again.
"In sevens, there's no time to recover when you're off your game," the 32-year-old told Netwerk24. "Everyone needs to be mentally tuned in from the first whistle. If we're all focused and locked in, we'll have the kind of team that can perform with precision and minimize errors."
As he prepares for his milestone 60th Series appearance, Soyizwapi remains driven by a deeper purpose.
"My family is my biggest motivation," he said. "Every time I take the field, it's about making them—and myself—proud. It's a privilege to still be able to play at this level, and that's what keeps me pushing every day."
With a legacy to uphold and a championship on the line, the Blitzboks know there's no margin for error in LA.