Blitzboks - Momentum, consistency key in Vegas
Even 43 tournaments down the line, the idea of running onto a rugby field with his fellow Blitzboks still excites Springbok Sevens captain, Philip Snyman.
Nothing will change this weekend when the team contests the HSBC Las Vegas Sevens tournament, the fifth of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
“It is hard to believe we are almost halfway through the series, but that does not take away any of the fun or commitment from the team,” Snyman said.
“The fact of the matter is, we still need to start from base, even after five tournaments. Nothing that happened in the first four will mean anything here in Vegas. We need to start from scratch, but have the hindsight of what worked previously. Those are laying a solid foundation, building momentum and believing in our structures and team mates.”
The experienced player, who has scored 246 points in his Blitzbok career so far, is comfortable with the abilities of the squad, despite been without the likes of Kwagga Smith, Kyle Brown, Tim Agaba and Seabelo Senatla.
“We have lost some personnel, but there are some new faces coming into the mix and fitting in very well,” he said. “I think we have prepared brilliantly and everyone is on the same commitment level. There is a good vibe in the squad and we want to get going.”
For Springbok Sevens coach, Neil Powell, it is all about momentum and consistency when the team starts their Pool A commitments against Canada in the Sam Boyd Stadium (Saturday 04h43 SA time).
“We are aiming among other things to maintain those, because if we do, it will deliver a good result,” said Powell.
“We have lost the likes of Kwagga and Seabelo, but if the new guys can step in without disrupting our rhythm, we should be ok. They know what their roles are and I have faith in their abilities.”
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Powell pointed to Siviwe Soyizwapi as their key man, having replaced Senatla: “We are lucky to have experienced campaigners such as Cecil Afrika and Stephan Dippenaar back in the mix, but I am keen to see Siviwe respond to the challenge of filling Sea's boots. I think he is going to surprise a lot of people.”
The Springbok Sevens also play France at 07h42 on Saturday, with their final pool A match against Wales taking place on Sunday at 02h08 (SA time).
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HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016/17 Schedule
Dubai – 2, 3 December 2016 - winners South Africa
Cape Town – 10, 11 December - winners England
Wellington – 28, 29 January 2017 – winners South Africa
Sydney – 4, 5 February – winners South Africa
Las Vegas – 3, 4, 5 March
Vancouver – 11, 12 March
Hong Kong – 7, 8, 9 April
Singapore – 15, 16 April
Paris – 13, 14 May
London – 20, 21 May
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016/17 Log (after four tournaments)
1. South Africa 85
2. England 68
3. Fiji 64
4. New Zealand 56
5. Scotland 45
6. Australia 40
7. Wales 40
8. USA 35
9. Argentina 35
10. France 35
Pools:
Pool A: South Africa, Wales, France, Canada
Pool B: England, USA, Samoa, Chile
Pool C: New Zealand, Argentina, Russia, Kenya
Pool D: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Japan
The Springbok Sevens team for the HSBC Las Vegas Sevens (with caps and points) is: 1. Chris Dry (56, 405), 2. Philip Snyman (captain, 41, 246), 3. Dylan Sage (11, 50), 4. Zain Davids (2, 0), 5. Werner Kok (23, 275), 6. Siviwe Soyizwapi (7, 50), 7. Branco du Preez (49, 963), 8. Stephan Dippenaar (30, 210), 9. Justin Geduld (29, 659), 10. Cecil Afrika (47, 1167), 11. Rosko Specman (17, 203), 12. Ruhan Nel (15, 140),13. Stedman Gans* (0, 0).*Reserve Player