Blitzboks 'confident' ahead of latest Dubai title charge

Philip Snyman believes his Blitzboks are ready to reap the rewards of a tough preseason in Dubai this weekend.

Six months ago the 38-year-old led his side to success in Los Angeles with a 19-5 win against Spain in the World Championship final.

In the time off Snyman installed Impi Visser as the team’s captain and named the most experienced squad of all eight teams competing in the HSBC SVNS season opener.

This year, more than ever, the need to be compete in each game is at an all-time high. That challenge is not lost on Snyman, who saw his team exit at the quarter-final stage of Dubai last season, and believes his side are now ready to challenge themselves on the pitch.

“I am very happy with our preparations,” Snyman said. “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. We are ready.

“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.”

Should South Africa wish to claim their 12th Dubai title in the past 25 years they will have their work cut out.

Named in Pool A alongside Olympic champions France, consistent competitors Argentina and the ever competitive Fiji. With how the top division of the SVNS Series is formatted, every week is certain to be competitive and nothing should be taken for granted.

“France are the Olympic champions and won the Championship the year before us; Fiji are probably the most recognised sevens country in the world and then there is Argentina, who won the series over the last couple of years,” Snyman said. “We could not have asked for a tougher start.”