Afrika's Springboks ready for 'interesting' Pool A clashes at SVNS 3

Cecil Afrika expects his Springbok Women’s Sevens team to be tested by their opponents in the group stages of HSBC SVNS 3.

For the tournament, which takes place in Dubai this weekend, South Africa have been placed in Pool A with Mexico, Czechia and Thailand.

The Springboks – who will be captained by Nadine Roos in the UAE – do not underestimate any of their day one opponents but will primarily focus on the implementation of their game plan.

“It is going to be an interesting pool, as all of Mexico, Czechia and Thailand have a different playing style and approach to the game,” Afrika said.

“We will focus on our first outing against Mexico to lay a proper foundation, but we also have to be ready for what comes afterwards.

“Mexico is unpredicatable in what they do, so they will test us in that regard. They are quick on their feet and play very quick and often look for inside passes when on attack. We are looking forward to that first challenge.”

All three opponents are familiar foes to the Springboks. They were all regular opposition last year on the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in a campaign that South Africa finished second overall.

Thailand enjoyed the best 2025 season of all the Springboks’ Saturday opponents and will be their biggest threat this weekend.

“They have very good tackle technique and go in low,” Afrika said. “They are very precise in their structures and love to play with a high intensity as well. Their speed at the breakdown is also worth mentioning, so we need to be ready for that.

“We are really looking forward to this weekend. We prepared well back home in South Africa and this week here in the desert city of Dubai. We know what we need to do and we are ready.”

A top two finish in HSBC SVNS 3 this weekend will qualify South Africa for HSBC SVNS 2.

The second tier competition has legs in Kenya, Uruguay and Brazil, with a top four finish in that competition earning teams a place at the HSBC SVNS World Championships.