Experienced Blitzboks team eyes big start as Dubai 7s launches new HSBC SVNS season

THE Blitzboks say they are primed for a strong start as the new HSBC SVNS season gets underway at the Emirates Dubai 7s this weekend. That confidence is shared by the entire camp, including head coach Philip Snyman, captain Impi Visser and veteran Ryan Oosthuizen.

Snyman, who played in the Dubai tournament eight times, confirmed the mood in camp: “I am very happy with our preparations. Our pre-season went well, and in our training session with Great Britain here at Dubai College in the week, things also went very well. So, we are ready.”

The squad face a tough Pool A challenge – up against Olympic champions France, Sevens heavyweights Fiji and a resurgent Argentina. Snyman did not shy away from assessing the competition: “France are the Olympic champions and won the Championship the year before us; Fiji are probably the most recognised Sevens country in the world, and then there is Argentina, who won the series over the last couple of years. We could not have asked for a tougher start.”

Still, the coach believes the team’s confidence and preparation have them in good stead. “Our confidence is good, but this format is a different beas,t and unlike any other we have seen before for a season opener,” he said. “The harsh reality is that you have to be on top of your game for every encounter, such is the quality of our opposition.”

The Blitzboks have travelled to Dubai with their most experienced squad in the tournament – notably, they are the only squad not featuring an uncapped player. That experience could prove invaluable when facing such formidable opponents. They know that execution on match day will count more than pre-tournament hype or past glory.

And they have a reputation to uphold; remember, the Blitzboks have won the Emirates Dubai 7s 11 times since the series began in 1999 – including the last five editions.

So though snyman has previously spoken of a long-term plan for the season, including the gradual introduction of new players, and for now, the bigger picture remains on the horizon, he says the immediate focus is on delivering in Dubai. 

“We know if we hit the ground running in Dubai and do well, we have all the momentum going to Cape Town next weekend to play in the tournament we all strive for. That said, France await,” he added.

If the Blitzboks can deliver under pressure they have a strong chance of rolling into the rest of the season with confidence.

Springbok Sevens squad for Dubai: Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Ronald Brown, Dewald Human, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, Quewin Nortje, Donavan Don, David Brits, Tristan Leyds

Pools:

A: South Africa, France, Argentina, Fiji

B: Spain, New Zealand, Great Britain, Australia

Blitzbok schedule on Saturday (SA times, all games live on SuperSport)

11.32am: France

2.16pm: Fiji

6.34pm: Argentina