The pursuit of Perth-fection: Blitzboks aim for strong bounce-back performance

Springbok Sevens playmaker Tristan Leyds is itching to return to the Perth SVNS tournament — a place where he holds fond memories — following an injury that sidelined him last season for the Australian leg.

Leyds, who made his debut in 2024 at HBF Park, he will be one of the senior players the team looks to on Saturday as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing fourth-place finish at the Singapore SVNS last weekend.

The speedster will be playing in his 15th tournament and has been tasked with extra responsibilities in the absence of veteran playmakers. With Selvyn Davids, Ronald Brown, and Dewald Human missing the trip Down Under, the 28-year-old utility back is ready to embrace the challenge.

South Africa (46 points) currently sits six points behind first-placed Fiji, with New Zealand in second on 48. The Blitzboks are hunting for redemption following losses to both teams in Singapore — Fiji in the pool stages and the All Blacks Sevens in the semi-final.

Fittingly, the Fijians will be one of the Blitzboks’ pool opponents in Perth, offering a chance for early revenge. Spain will be up first (5.58am kick-off) on Saturday morning, followed by a tough second clash against Argentina (9.14am) before the showdown with Fiji (12.52pm). It is a lineup that could be considered as the tournament’s "Pool of Death".

The Blitzboks are clear on what they must improve to be successful this weekend. They’ve taken the lessons from Singapore and are ready to rectify their mistakes.

“We really can’t play without the ball. We would attack for 30 seconds, give the ball away, and then defend for two minutes. That came back to bite us, and we can’t repeat that,” Leyds said on Thursday.

“I love the new challenge that comes with leadership. Guys like Selvyn and Dewald have been in those roles for five, six, or seven years and have really excelled, so stepping into the breach is a big task. There were extra leadership duties that came my way, especially on this trip, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. It is part of growth, and I am all for it.

“Hopefully, I can do justice to that this weekend. I have grown as a Blitzbok player over the seasons and am coming to grips with the demands of the world series. Even some of my opponents from other teams have remarked on my improved fitness.”

On being back in Perth, Leyds says the city will always hold a special place in his heart. Not only did he make his Blitzbok debut there, but it was also where his older brother, former Springbok Dillyn Leyds, found his feet in senior rugby.

For the Olympian, returning to Perth is about adding to those fond memories.

“I was happy with my debut; it was a great place to run out and represent my country, and I thought it went well. Sadly, I missed out last year due to injury, but I am ready to go and give it my all again this weekend.”