So dominant have they been in Dubai for so long, it often feels like South Africa just have to pitch up in the desert and they will end up with the Emirates International Trophy.
The Blitzboks have won the men’s World Series tournament at The Sevens in six of the past eight editions it has been contested, including each of the past three.
This year, though, they have arrived in UAE without many of the gilded stars of the past. Neil Powell, one of the most successful coaches in the history of the short format, moved on after the World Cup Sevens in September after nine years at the helm.
Multiple Dubai winners such as Werner Kok, Kwagga Smith and Seabelo Senatla have long since departed, too.
Their squad for this weekend has two uncapped players, including one who sold his car in order to chase a professional career in rugby.
But this is the Blitzboks. No matter their relative inexperience – and they still have 84-tournament veteran Branco du Preez directing operations – they will still be the team to beat on Pitch 1.
“We enjoy playing in Dubai,” Siviwe Soyizwapi, South Africa’s captain, said.
“It gets hot this time of the year in Cape Town so I think it's always good preparation for us coming into Dubai [ahead of their home leg on the World Series next week].
“There's a lot of confidence that we can take from the previous years, however, we always have to start all over again with each tournament. So we'll take it a step at a time.
“It's really exciting to have our new coaches [Sandile Ngcobo replaced Powell] in the frame with new ideas that are coming through.
“I think you will see something new this coming weekend with two new debutants as well which brings something different that they can add to the squad, so I’m really excited to see it.”
One of the two newcomers, Ricardo Duarttee, has been handed his chance after a remarkable year.
It started out with him attempting to restart his stalled rugby career by enrolling in a programme at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport Sevens Academy.
To fulfil the course, he needed to sell his car in order to pay the deposit and fees. His investment has paid off to the tune of a first call up to the national team.
“I don't have words,” Duarttee said after being presented his Blitzboks jersey this week.
“I worked very hard to be in this position, but I realise that this is the next level.
“I hope to bring lots of energy to the squad and when given the opportunity, contribute to the overall effort. It is going to be massive and I can't wait.”
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C108hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C340Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%20(front%20axle)%3B%20two-speed%20transmission%20(rear%20axle)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E488-560km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh928%2C400%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOrders%20open%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
Size: 40 employees
Investment: $2 million
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
Reading List
Practitioners of mindful eating recommend the following books to get you started:
Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr Lilian Cheung
How to Eat by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Mindful Diet by Dr Ruth Wolever
Mindful Eating by Dr Jan Bays
How to Raise a Mindful Eaterby Maryann Jacobsen
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP
Group A
Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA
Group B
Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti
Group C
Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia
Group D
Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
more from Janine di Giovanni
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: John Stones, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Gary Cahill, Ashley Young, Danny Rose, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabian Delph
Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
The line up
Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego
Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh
Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com
