Selvyn Davids unleashed as Blitzboks chase fast start in Dubai

The Blitzboks enter the first tournament of the new Sevens season in Dubai with a clear objective: to build momentum early and set the tone for the coming months.

After only two tournament victories last season — in Cape Town and at the World Championship in Los Angeles — there’s a determination within the camp to start fast, stay sharp, and re-establish themselves as one of the most consistent sides on the circuit.

South Africa will be up against France, Fiji and Argentina, and they must set the pace early to get out of their pool and into the knockouts.

A big part of their fresh energy will come from veteran Selvyn Davids, who steps into the tournament without the captain’s armband for the first time in a while.

Impi Visser takes over the captaincy, but for Davids, it’s not a demotion — if anything, it’s a release. Without the weight of on-field decision-making and leadership responsibilities, he’s free to tap into the instinctive, playmaking brilliance that makes him one of the most dangerous runners in world sevens.

The 31-year-old is relishing that opportunity.

“There is a bit of pressure off me now and I can focus on my game,” Davids said about not having the captaincy for the opening tournament. “I am very happy for Impi, he will be a great leader and captain.

"The older guys will help him where we can, but he is a good leader. I can now focus on my game and shift the small things, like doing media, to the side. You guys know I am a bit media shy, I can shift that out and focus on my contribution on the field.”

Davids has always been at his best when he’s reading space, attacking gaps, and sparking momentum shifts with that quick step and kicking vision. Now, he can focus solely on doing exactly that, while the leadership group carries the rest.

But the new tournament format means there’s absolutely no room for easing in. With only two pools of four teams each, every pool game becomes a virtual quarter-final. There’s no second chance, and definitely no soft landing. The Blitzboks know they can’t start slow.

“We know it will be a bit tougher than normal,” Davids said about only having two pools with the strongest teams.

“Some people would’ve said there is an easier game with the expanded pool format; however, now there is nothing. The games will all be tough, and every game will be a quarter-final in the pool. The team is looking forward to that challenge, and we know what awaits.”