Hong Kong SVNS Blitzboks captain Selvyn Davids (second from left) with the captains ahead of the Hong Kong SVNS tournament. | World Rugby
Image: Alex Ho & Zach Franzen, World Rugby
The Blitzboks are bracing themselves for Uruguay’s never-say-die attitude and Australia’s cunning attacking tactics on the opening day of the Hong Kong SVNS on Friday.
Because they are facing two unpredictable sides, the South Africans won’t look further than the first day of matches, but their end goal is to bag silverware in the tournament – the only one in the series where they’ve struggled to win.
It’s been almost three decades since the event, but the Springbok Sevens have never claimed first place. They will hope a change of scenery, as the event moved from the Hong Kong Stadium to the 50,000-seater Kai Lak Stadium, could help them break that duck.
Firstly, though, according to head coach Philip Snyman, they must get past their opening two games, starting with the South Americans on Friday (11.56am kick-off).
They’ve been on the training field since their arrival on Monday and emphasised their defence, but also to attack the space the Uruguayans leave open with their robust defence.
The Aussies (2.39pm start) are known for their tricky plays, and the Blitzboks’ defence will have to mark their attackers with precision.
“Uruguay have beaten some of the best teams on the circuit, so there are no more easy games,” Snyman said ahead of his team’s start. “They are very competitive and typical of a South American side; they fight until the final play.
“So, it will be a very tough first match. If we can force our game plan on them and play like we want to, the results will look after itself. Australia possess some magical players, but we’ve worked on the breakdowns and those one-on-one tackles.
“Our goal-kickers have also worked on their kicks at goal for those conversions. “We’ll have to be up for that clash against New Zealand too (Saturday, 7.43am kick-off). We know when they get going, especially in Hong Kong ... they are a good side.”
Snyman added that he is excited about the debut of rookie Gino Cupido. The outside back is known for his pace and stepping, and he will be guided by the experienced Dewald Human as he prepares for a first-ever Blitzbok run-out at the historic Hong Kong tournament.
Cupido (19) is equally excited to make his debut after a long wait, partially due to injuries.
“The experience has been great so far. Yes, it was a long flight to Hong Kong, but we’ve prepared well, and I’ve enjoyed things,” Cupido said ahead of his first tournament. It’s taken a while to get the call-up, but I’ve been knocking on the door patiently, and it’s finally opened.
“Things were a bit up and down too with the injuries I had. It felt a bit like a roller-coaster ride. But pulling the Springbok Sevens jersey over my head has been one of the goals I wanted to achieve.”