Clean slate in Dubai: Philip Snyman confident Blitzboks can set early season tone

Heading into the Dubai SVNS without the weight of defending a title might actually work in the Springbok Sevens’ favour this year.

Unlike last season — when they arrived in the United Arab Emirates as the most successful team in the tournament’s history and with 11 Dubai titles to their name — the Blitzboks won’t have the added pressure of living up to past glory.

That pressure seemed to hold them back a year ago, when they struggled to find early rhythm and ultimately couldn’t extend their winning legacy in Dubai. Ironically, that slow start helped spark a turnaround, and a week later they produced a memorable comeback to lift the trophy in Cape Town.

This time around, head coach Philip Snyman believes the team is better positioned to make a strong opening statement. Without a title to defend in Dubai, the focus shifts entirely to building early momentum — something he considers crucial not only for next weekend’s home tournament at DHL Stadium, but for the season as a whole.

“We know if we hit the ground running in Dubai and do well, we have all the momentum going to Cape Town next weekend to play in the tournament we all strive for,” Snyman said.

The coach is optimistic about the work done during the off-season. After a solid pre-season and a productive joint training session with Great Britain at Dubai College, Snyman feels the squad has ticked the right boxes.

“I am very happy with our preparations. Our pre-season went well, and in our training session with Great Britain here at Dubai College in the week, things also went very well. So, we are ready.”

Still, he acknowledged that the revamped SVNS format raises the stakes from the very first whistle.

“Our confidence is good, but this format is a different beast, and unlike any other we have seen before for a season opener. The harsh reality is that you have to be on top of your game for every encounter, such is the quality of our opposition.”

The Blitzboks will take on France (11.32am), Fiji (2.16pm) and Argentina (6.34pm) in Pool A, with the top two teams heading straight into the semi-finals on Sunday.

Blitzboks squad for Dubai

1 Christie Grobbelaar, 2 Ryan Oosthuizen, 3 Impi Visser (captain), 4 Zain Davids, 5 Ricardo Duarttee, 7 Ronald Brown, 8 Selvyn Davids, 12 Shilton van Wyk, 13 Mfundo Ndhlovu, 15 Donavan Don, 19 David Brits, 21 Zander Reynders, 24 Tristan Leyds.