Blitzboks speedster Muller du Plessis says the team will benefit from having a combination of youth and experience during the next World Rugby Sevens Series. DYLAN JACK reports.

Du Plessis was one of several young players blooded by the Blitzboks last season. He made his debut in Las Vegas and went on to play in Vancouver, Hong Kong and Singapore in his first year out of school.

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The 19-year-old arrived at sevens training this week after playing in the Sharks side that went unbeaten to win the U19 Provincial Championship.

‘That was an awesome feeling,’ Du Plessis said. ‘It is an awesome group of players and coaches. To go unbeaten this season was really something to remember, so I was really glad to have been a part of that.’

The Blitzboks will be missing a number of seniors – including Seabelo Senatla, Kwagga Smith, Dylan Sage and Ruhan Nel – this season but Du Plessis says the younger players will bring new energy to the squad.

‘The preparation has been good. The guys have had a good pre-season. I joined in on Monday and the guys are looking fresh and ready for the season.

‘We learned so much from the older guys, who have more experience. But the new guys bring a lot of energy, so I think it is a good combination – having the experienced and younger guys banding together.

‘The older players are always motivating us, so it is a nice culture. We are really excited to play. I would like to learn and grow as much as I can and if I get the opportunity, to give my best.’

Du Plessis is looking forward to the series-opening Dubai Sevens, which takes place from 29 November to 1 December.

‘They say it is an awesome tournament, so hopefully I get selected for the team. South Africa have a good record there, so it is a special place for us and a good tournament to play in.’

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He added that as consecutive series winners, the Blitzboks know they will have to add a few new weapons to their arsenal to stay ahead of Fiji and New Zealand.

‘There are always things that we can do better. There are certain things that we have added to surprise and bring something different to our attack and defence.

‘It has always been tough playing against Fiji and New Zealand, they will always come for us. It is going to be the same this season, but we just want to focus on ourselves.’

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Photo: Don MacKinnon/Getty Images