Siviwe Soyizwapi: You can feel a Blitzbok game loading

What's more, he could experience first-hand what those results meant to Blitzbok supporters.

So this time around, back on the field and fit again following recovery from a successful knee operation that kept him off the field for almost all of the 2024 world series, Soyizwapi is fully aware of the team's responsibilties to provide some relief to their fans.

"It was actually quite nice to experience the build-up in the crowd as the Blitzboks' games approached," said Soyizwapi on Wednesday.

"You could feel the buzz picking up and the energy starting to grow as kick-off approached. As a player, you are in your own zone before you enter the field, so you don't always appreciate that build-up from the crowd. But once that whistle goes, you can feel the support from the stands."

He realises that expectations of the Blitzboks come from past successes and feels the current group of players are growing into a very special unit: "Look, we had some amazing teams and players in the past, but as in any team, you change personnel and with that, some dynamics. What excites about this group is the potential we have and knowing that it can click any moment."

Soyizwapi, a former wing who has scored 152 tries in 54 tournaments, does not expect his new role in the forwards to allow him to add that quickly to his 780 points so far on the HSBC SVNS circuit, especially since two regulars, Ryan Oosthuizen and Christie Grobbelaar, will miss action due to injuries sustained in Dubai.

"They are both very physical players so for me stepping into those roles will demand the same," he said.

"I cannot be either of them, but I can be the best I can be, doing what is needed and expected from the coaches and fellow players. I realised last year that injury can finish your career when you least expect it, so I am grateful to still be playing.

"At my age and stage of career, I am playing every match as if it will be last. As I will do at this Cape Town tournament. I missed out last year and that gave me a different perspective of what it means.

"Now, back on the field again and playing at home, I want to translate some of that passion in the stands into my play. And hopefully add value to a team effort that will leave all our fans proud and pleased."

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