Blitzboks adapt for Singapore Sevens: can versatility overcome missing stars?

The Springbok Sevens arrive in Singapore as one of the most dangerous attacking teams on the World Series, but at the Singapore National Stadium their cutting edge will rely less on familiar conductors and more on the finishing power, experience, and versatility of players such as Shilton van Wyk and Donavan Don as the Blitzboks adapt to life without their injured playmaking trio.

The Blitzboks are without Selvyn Davids, Ronald Brown, and Dewald Human, placing greater responsibility on the remaining senior backs to guide a reshaped unit through a demanding weekend.

The Blitzboks landed in humid Singapore in fine form, having won back-to-back Cape Town Sevens titles in December and topping the log after two events, scoring more tries than any other team in the opening two tournaments.

In Cape Town, South Africa scored 19 tries from third phase or more (tournament average 13), and 4.2 tries per match (tournament average 3.4), numbers built largely on the creativity and control of the absent trio.

In their absence, assistant coach Renfred Dazel believes the blend of squad versatility and proven finishers can help ease the transition.

“We would have liked for at least one of them to be here, as they are world-class playmakers, but as always in rugby, this will provide the next player an opportunity to make his mark,” said Dazel, who oversees the Blitzboks’ attack.

“We have made the necessary adjustments, mainly due to the versatility of the squad. We have a new player in Luan (Giliomee), who is a specialist in that role, while Nabo Sokoyi, who was so impressive on debut in Cape Town at centre, can play scrum-half or sweeper, as well as fly-half. And not to forget the skills of Donavan Don, who can move from the outside backs to fly-half as well.”

That adaptability will be complemented by the blistering pace and finishing instincts of Van Wyk, who arrives in Singapore as the Blitzboks’ most prolific scorer this season.

The electric winger has already crossed for nine tries and leads the team’s points tally with 45, providing a reliable outlet when attacking structures break down or opportunities arise on turnover ball.

Alongside him, the guile and finishing ability of Leyds is also an underrated weapon in head coach Philip Snyman’s arsenal, offering composure and decision-making that could prove vital as new combinations are tested under pressure.

The Blitzboks are in Pool A alongside Spain, Great Britain, and Fiji. They kick off their tournament against Spain on Saturday (6.54am kick-off), before facing Great Britain at 10.20am and Fiji at 1.46pm.