As one of the current Blitzboks 7s team members, Justin Geduld is aiming to add his voice more in pointing his team towards retaining their 2017/18 HSBC Sevens Series title.
The outstanding rugby sevens sweeper has the all-important role of joining the starting team and adding his own personal type of magic. “I think I can add so much in leading the team with the plan we are given. And to make adjustments where we feel we need to”.
He is a key part of a Blitzbok-machine which is operating very much at the peak of the side’s powers since claiming the 2015/16 and 2017/18 crowns. That is in his contribution across the board, in his ability to inspire others; especially those of the fellow game makers like Selvyn Davids, who can often prove the difference in close matches on the Sevens Series circuit.
Justin Geduld aiming to add his voice to Blitzboks 7s success
Still just 25 years of age, the Cape Town resident has developed in the side, besides others like Cecil Africa and Rosko Specman. It has built into the Blitzboks 7s an enthusiastic environment where both starting players and substitutes like Geduld, can all offer much to the success of the side.
Debuting in 2013, he has enjoyed much success. Gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Bronze at the Olympics and Bronze this year, at the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in San Francisco.
That has seen the young player already experience the highest stage of all – a part of the successful South African team at the 2016 Summer Olympics. The bronze medal winners, Geduld was a junior member at the time, but still holds fond memories.
“Yes, it was an amazing experience.”
“Amazing to be among the greats of athletics and all kinds of sports. To see the Olympic culture. It was just amazing to be a part of the Olympic culture.”
2018/19 season goals set by Blitzboks team
“We set our goals before the season starts, and we want to qualify for the Olympics but when the season started, our goals shifted. We still want to look at the Olympics, but there is more than that.
“The focus is on our processes, and we know what our end goal will be but, it is our what our steps are towards that which are key.”
He told Last Word on Rugby how he feels his role is for the Blitzboks is integral to the side’s success. A player normally outside the starting sevens players, Geduld is happy to know that he is making a difference. “In my role, is to make adjustments where I feel it needs to be.
“You know in the game, things don’t go to plan, the guys can follow me. The guys like Branco or Kyle, we are all there to help each other.
“Not just on the field but off the field too. We have come a long way since 2012 and we help each other on the field and off.
“You know, during the game, things aren’t going as planned and that is where I come in. With Branco du Preez or Werner Kok, the substitutes, we can look to join the side and add our part.”
Justin Geduld feels a part of a Strong Team
If 2017/18 was a successful year for the Blitzbok team, then Geduld played some part in that. He is known to add much off the bench, yet new players are adding their part too – Geduld knows that the experienced side has what it takes to follow-on from a successful last season.
“We are a very close bunch of guys. We have a good understanding of the others game, and of what our coach wants from us.” Geduld adds that for himself, being fit and able to offer his input is a positive.
“Being back in the team is a huge positive for me.”
‘Snoop’ as he is known to the team, he just wants to contribute. And South African rugby sevens fans will agree. He is one of the more exciting players who the Blitzboks can invest in looking to the 2020 Olympics; the goal being qualification this season.
Still, a bonus if the team can aim high and defend their current Sevens Series title is both. That is, of course, the ‘end goal’. This week, it is the Sydney 7s. One step at a time, with players like Justin Geduld adding their value where and when needed.
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