The Springbok Sevens team is preparing for their next challenge, the HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth, with a blend of strategy, teamwork, and thrill. Head coach Sandile Ngcobo is confident in the team’s abilities, with new players and returnees joining the squad. Despite past shortcomings, Ngcobo maintains an optimistic outlook for their performance at the tournament and is excited to see his team in action.
The Springbok Sevens team is gearing up for their next challenge, the HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth. With new players and returnees, head coach Sandile Ngcobo is confident in the team’s abilities. Despite past shortcomings, Ngcobo maintains an optimistic outlook for their performance at the tournament.
1. Preparation for a New Venture
The rugby universe thrives on the adrenaline rush of pursuit and the synergy within a team. The Springbok Sevens are gearing up for their next significant endeavor, adapting their game plan and introducing novel tactics under the vigilant guidance of head coach Sandile Ngcobo. They are scheduled to take a chartered flight to Australia this forthcoming Saturday, with their gaze fixed on the HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth.
This competition is the third installment in a series of eight. During this pivotal event, Selvyn Davids, a player of exceptional caliber, will resume his position as the team leader. With a blend of skill and strategy, the team is all set to bring a fresh wave of energy to the tournament.
2. Team Composition: New Entrants and Returnees
David Brits, an ex-midfielder from the Cheetahs, and Tristan Leyds, a rising star from Western Province, are two notable additions to the Blitzbok squad in Perth. The team’s restructuring also welcomes back prop James Murphy and playmakers Donovan Don and Ricardo Duarttee, who were glaringly absent in the preceding matches in Dubai and Cape Town.
Brits and Leyds’ inclusion adds an invigorating touch to the team. Fresh from his triumph with the Cheetahs at the Currie Cup, Brits is keen to validate the wisdom of his shift from a successful fifteenth career. Leyds, the younger sibling of Springbok outside back Dillyn, is looking forward to proving his mettle at the national level.
3. Experienced Players Stepping Aside
Duarttee, who bagged the title of World Rugby’s Sevens Rookie of the Year in 2023, and Murphy, a participant in the concluding tournament of the 2023 series in London, are quite familiar with the game. Don, despite his season cut short by a shoulder injury post his debut in Hong Kong, had also participated in the match in Singapore.
In a strategic move, Ngcobo has decided to give rest to some seasoned players like Impi Visser, Justin Geduld, Dewald Human, and Rosko Specman. He believes this decision will ensure that the players remain rejuvenated and fully prepared for the forthcoming tournament in Vancouver and Los Angeles.
4. Expectations from the New Recruits
The revamped Blitzboks team boasts of agility and speed. Ngcobo has expressed his confidence in the new team additions, highlighting their extensive rugby knowledge, superior work ethic and their potential for success on the sevens pitch. He shared, “David and Tristan might be sevens novices, but their experience with fifteens at an extraordinary level is commendable, and they have showcased all the required qualities to triumph on the sevens field since their inclusion.”
Ngcobo also has high expectations from Murphy, Don, and Duarttee. He predicts, “Their contribution will be energizing. James’ experience in set piece is invaluable, Donovan’s versatility is commendable, and Ricardo’s return, fresh and enthusiastic, is highly anticipated.”
5. A Positive Outlook despite Past Shortcomings
Despite acknowledging the team’s underperformance in Cape Town, Ngcobo maintains an optimistic outlook and commends his squad’s dedication and skill. He believes that the prospect of playing at a new venue will fuel the players’ motivation to make their country proud with a notable performance.
The inaugural matches are due to commence with Canada taking on Spain on January 26, followed by Argentina on January 27. The Blitzbok team for Perth, a blend of experienced stalwarts and bright talents, is anticipated to be a formidable contender. In this dynamic, fast-paced sport, the Springbok Sevens team is constantly evolving, strategizing, and challenging the limits of what can be achieved on the rugby field.
6. When and where will the HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth take place?
The HSBC SVNS tournament in Perth is scheduled to take place on January 29-30, 2022 in Perth, Australia. This tournament is the third installment in a series of eight, with teams from around the world competing for the championship title. The Springbok Sevens team will be among the contenders, bringing their blend of strategy, teamwork, and thrill to the pitch.
