Branco wants to hit jackpot

Springbok Sevens scrumhalf Branco du Preez (above) is keen to taste success again in the Sam Boyd Stadium when South Africa contest the Las Vegas Sevens this weekend, the fifth of the 2016/17 World Rugby Sevens Series.

The Blitzboks took on Canada and France early this morning and will conclude their Pool A matches against Wales tomorrow morning (2:08am SA time) in what will be Du Preez’s 50th tournament appearance for the Blitzboks in the World Series.

This landmark achievement will only be special if they manage to clinch another title, Du Preez said. He was part of all three Blitzboks squads that have won titles in Las Vegas since the US leg of the World Series moved to the city in 2010.

“I have tasted success here and it’s a good feeling,” said Du Preez.

“In a way, it is nice to play my 50th tournament here, because Las Vegas has been good to me in the past.”

Du Preez paid tribute to all those who helped him along the way to become only the fourth South African player to play 50 tournaments, following in the footsteps of Frankie Horne (68), Kyle Brown (57) and Chris Dry (56).

“I am sure there were a couple of people who did not expect me to get to this mark, but here I am,” Du Preez smiled.

“This was due to hard work, but first and foremost it was because of my parents, who always had my back.

“Then all my coaches through the years and now, my Blitzboks brothers.

“It is a massive honour. The best way to celebrate this will be for us to do well in this tournament.

“I also want to thank all the fans of our team and everybody in South Africa who supports us. We will be playing for you as well this weekend.” – Own Correspondent