Renfred Dazel backs Blitzbok attack to fire at HSBC SVNS Singapore

THE SPRINGBOK Sevens squad touched down in humid Singapore on Tuesday ahead of the HSBC SVNS Singapore, carrying momentum after their recent victory in Cape Town and a strong start to the 2026 World Series.

But while the Blitzboks are confident, assistant coach Renfred Dazel says the real challenge in Singapore will not be the known obstacles, humidity, pitch conditions, or travel fatigue, but the unexpected situations that typically arise in the Singapore National Stadium.

“Singapore is always unpredictable,” Dazel said. “The known factors are manageable, but success will come down to how well we handle what we don’t expect.”

Momentum, but Missing Key Playmakers

South Africa enters the tournament at the top of the standings after two events, having scored more tries than any other team in the opening rounds. Their attack has been prolific, highlighted by 19 tries from the third phase or later in Cape Town, surpassing the tournament average of 13.

However, the Blitzboks arrive in Singapore without three of their most influential playmakers, Selvyn Davids, Ronald Brown, and Dewald Human, who are all sidelined through injury.

All three have been instrumental in South Africa’s recent success and are known for delivering in high-pressure moments across the World Series and World Championship stages.

Dazel admits their absence is a blow but insists the squad’s depth should counter the loss.

“We would have liked for at least one of them to be here, as they are world-class playmakers,” Dazel said. “But as always in rugby, this provides the next player an opportunity to make his mark.”

New Faces, New Opportunities

The Blitzboks have made tactical adjustments to compensate for the missing trio, relying on the versatility of their squad to fill the gap.

Dazel highlighted the emergence of new and young players who could play key roles in the team’s attacking structure. Luan Giliomee, serves as a specialist in the playmaker role, Nabo Sokoyi, who was impressive on debut in Cape Town, and proved himself capable of playing centre, scrumhalf, sweeper, and flyhalf, and Donavan Don, who is versatile and is able to shift from outside back to flyhalf

“We were always going to give new players opportunities as we build depth towards the 2028 Olympic Games,” Dazel said. “I am confident in the abilities of players like Nabo, Luan and Renaldo Young to make the step-up expected of playing at this level.”

A Tight Field

Dazel also warned that the margins between the eight teams competing in Singapore are slim, meaning execution and structure will be crucial.

“If we stay within our structure and execute well, it will be a good weekend,” he said. “Despite the close margins between the eight sides competing.”

Selected HSBC SVNS 2026 Stats

Most team tries

• 37 South Africa
• 36 Argentina, Fiji
• 35 New Zealand
• 33 France

Top SA try scorers

• 9 Shilton van Wyk
• 6 Donavan Don
• 4 Christie Grobbelaar

Top SA points scorers

• 45 Shilton van Wyk
• 30 Donavan Don
• 27 Ricardo Duarttee