Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman expressed frustration and disappointment in his team’s fourth-place finish at the HSBC SVNS Singapore on Sunday.
They had the absolute high of winning their home tournament in Cape Town last month, but that ship has sailed and for the Springbok Sevens team this weekend’s HSBC SVNS Singapore will represent a fresh challenge. And they will be ready for it.
Springbok Sevens captain Impi Visser credited his side’s ability to “stay in the moment” as crucial to a consecutive HSBC SVNS Cape Town title at DHL Stadium on Sunday, with the Blitzboks claiming back-to-back titles with a win over Argentina.
The Springbok Sevens successfully defended their HSBC SVNS Cape Town title in spectacular fashion, edging Argentina by 21-19 in a hard-fought final on Sunday afternoon.
Zander Reynders’ debut for the Springbok Sevens, a year ago at the HSBC SVNS Cape Town, was a surreal experience and to return to DHL Stadium where it all started was a reminder of how blessed his rugby career has been since.
The Springbok Sevens will face Dubai champions New Zealand, as well as Fiji and Great Britain on the opening day of the HSBC SVNS Cape Town on Saturday as the pool draw was confirmed following last weekend’s action in the desert.
It was an umpteenth trip to the Emirates Dubai Sevens for Impi Visser on Monday, but the first time as Springbok Sevens captain – little wonder he represented the Blitzboks with dignified pride and confidence at the official captains’ photo this week.
It will be almost four years to the day when a bright-eyed 21-year-old Shilton van Wyk ran onto the pitch at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, representing the Springbok Sevens for the first time on the international stage.
Six tournament victories out of eight played is no mean feat, but for Ryan Oosthuizen, another go at glory at the Emirates Dubai 7s tournament this weekend could not come quick enough.
Eleven players involved in their season-ending HSBC SVNS World Championship victory in Los Angeles in May will be part of the Springbok Sevens squad for the 2026 HSBC SVNS opener in Dubai next weekend, while Blitzbok head coach Philip Snyman added experienced stalwarts Christie Grobbelaar and Donavan Don to his team.