South Africa heads into the tournament with confidence after finishing as runners-up at the recent Vancouver Sevens in Canada.

The Springbok Sevens team will face Uruguay, Australia, and New Zealand in Pool B – all teams they have secured positive results against in the past month or so.

For the Blitzboks, the focus will be on taking it one game at a time, improving discipline, and executing their game plan to perfection.

Blitzboks squad for Hong Kong 7s. Photo: Blitzboks

Blitzboks coach and former captain, Philip Snyman, says the team has its plans in place, and it’s now a matter of executing them on the park as they aim for a maiden title in the Pearl of the Orient.

“We have a plan and a clear strategy for how we want to approach these opening two matches on Friday,” said Snyman.

“Without giving too much away, we know that execution and precision will be key. Uruguay never stops fighting and will play right until the final whistle, so there will be no time to catch our breath. We have a plan to outmanoeuvre their defensive alignment – they come off the line at great speed, and we need to counter that.

“Australia has had some success against us in previous tournaments, so we’ve made the necessary adjustments. They are an experienced side, but like with Uruguay, I believe we have the talent and the game plan to beat them, despite the unpredictable nature of sevens rugby.”

Snyman added that he has full confidence in the squad selected for the Hong Kong Sevens, and the return of a player like Zain Davids is invaluable.

“Zain’s power is well-documented, and Dewald Human brings a wealth of experience, so it’s great to have them back,” Snyman said.

“Dewald has also been instrumental in mentoring Gino Cupido, whom I expect to achieve great things in rugby. He may only be 19, but he’s full of potential and a player I already rate highly.

“We will need him to step up during the tournament, and he’s fortunate to have some experienced players around him when that moment comes.”

The Blitzboks will kick off their campaign in the Far East on Friday at 11:56 against Uruguay before facing Australia at 14:39.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg