South Africa head coach Philip Snyman. Picture: Shaun Roy, BackpagePix
Philip Snyman’s Springbok Sevens team is geared up for the 2023/24 HSBC SVNS season, with the Emirates Dubai 7s set to kick off in the UAE next weekend.
Snyman’s squad features a mix of experience and fresh talent, with 10 players who have tasted success in Dubai among the group.
New to the Dubai challenge are Donovan Don, David Brits, and Tristan Leyds, while seasoned campaigners like co-captains Impi Visser and Zain Davids bring invaluable leadership and a winning pedigree.
Snyman, confirmed as Blitzbok head coach through the 2028 Olympic cycle, expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparation and depth. “The players have worked incredibly hard, making the final selection a challenge,” said Snyman.
Shaun Williams and Gino Cupido are the co-captains of an exciting #Blitzboks 'A' squad that will play at the Dubai Invitational next weekend - more here: https://t.co/cqnbgvP0md 👊#PoweredByUnity pic.twitter.com/6XoB3TlhTW
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) November 22, 2024
Highlighting the blend of senior players and dynamic youngsters, he noted, “We want to introduce new players throughout the season to build depth, following the successful blueprint of the Springboks. The goal is consistency – finishing in the top four at every tournament.”
Snyman also revealed tactical adjustments for the season. “We aim to take the ball wide more often and defend differently to create turnover opportunities,” he said.
The Blitzboks have dominated the Emirates Dubai 7s, claiming the title 11 times since 1999, including the last five consecutive tournaments. Players like Visser, Ryan Oosthuizen, and Davids have each been part of those victories, cementing their status as key contributors to the team’s success.
Despite this track record, Snyman acknowledged the need for improvement. “Our performances dipped after strong starts in the past. This year, we’re aiming for consistency and a top-three finish at the end of the series,” he said.
The Blitzboks face a tough pool, squaring off against Olympic champions France, Australia, and Kenya. However, Snyman remains focused on his team’s internal goals rather than external threats. “The focus has been on ourselves – what we want to achieve during this campaign,” he emphasised.
As the Blitzboks set their sights on Dubai, fans can expect a high-octane display of skill, strategy, and resilience. With a seasoned core and promising newcomers, Snyman’s squad aims to build on their legacy and chase new heights in the HSBC SVNS series.
The action begins next weekend – stay tuned for updates as the Blitzboks take the field in pursuit of glory!
The selected squad boasts impressive credentials, with several players having significant HSBC SVNS experience:
Christie Grobbelaar (21 tournaments, 160 points)
Ryan Oosthuizen 50 tournaments, 225 points.
Impi Visser (39 tournaments, 205 points)—Co-Captain
Zain Davids (47 tournaments, 210 points) – Co-Captain
Ricardo Duartee (12 tournaments, 216 points)
Ronald Brown (17 tournaments, 379 points)
Dewald Human (26 tournaments, 289 points)
Siviwe Soyizwapi (53 tournaments, 780 points)
Shilton van Wyk (20 tournaments, 185 points)
Quewin Nortje (6 tournaments, 90 points)
Donovan Don (3 tournaments, 15 points)
David Brits (3 tournaments, 20 points)
Tristan Leyds (5 tournaments, 69 points)
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