Philip Snyman upbeat as new-generation Blitzboks gear up for Dubai season opener

Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman says he is pleased with the progress made in refreshing his ageing squad and building depth, after wrapping up their final conditioning block ahead of the 2026 SVNS season, which kicks off in Dubai at the end of the month.

“One of the main aims for this season is to expand our selection base with an eye on the 2029 Olympics, and that remains the case,” Snyman said. “Our squad is ageing, and we need to adapt to that. I also wanted to give myself more options in selection, especially among the forwards, and I’m happy with where we are.

“Instead of three, I can now select from at least 10 players to start a match in the forwards — exactly the position I wanted to be in at the start of the season.

“And then there are a lot of youngsters coming through in the playmaker-centre position who bring plenty of X-factor and energy. It’s going to be tricky to find the perfect 13 for Dubai, but that’s a good problem to have. I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

The visit of Germany and participation in last weekend’s Fast Forward Sevens tournament in Stellenbosch proved invaluable in integrating the younger players and giving returning stalwarts valuable game time, Snyman revealed.

“It was good to play in the Fast Forward Sevens tournament. I think it was valuable preparation for us before we take two teams to Dubai — much-needed game time for some of the senior players coming back from injury,” he said.

“A couple of youngsters were also brought into the squad to make sure everyone’s on the same page. When Germany came out, we had a two-week training camp with them, playing 12 matches.

“The youngsters got opportunities, while the senior guys enjoyed their first game time of the season. We tried different combinations, pairing youngsters with more experienced players, so I think the whole system benefitted.

“We’re in a good space, but it’s actually a difficult task that lies ahead now — picking 13 players for the main team and another 12 for the SA ‘A’ side.”

The Blitzboks will face Olympic gold and silver medallists France and Fiji, as well as Argentina — who topped the standings last season — in the Dubai SVNS on November 29 and 30. They then return home for the Cape Town SVNS tournament at DHL Stadium on December 6 and 7, where they will defend their title.

The Blitzboks started brightly last season before fading towards the end of the series but bounced back strongly to win the Sevens World Championship in Los Angeles in May.

“We need to start all over again. It’s a brand-new season, and we can’t go out there thinking we won the last one in LA,” Snyman stressed. “It’s a new season, new players, new teams, new format — so we need to be at our utmost best from the get-go.”

The Springbok Sevens will return to their Stellenbosch Academy of Sport base on Monday, with their focus firmly on the Dubai Sevens, following a team-building and culture session in Caledon.