Blitzboks explain standout omission from Singapore SVNS squad

The Blitzboks have explained the thinking behind an eye-catching omission after naming a 14-man squad for next weekend’s HSBC SVNS Singapore.

Two uncapped players headline the selection, with Luan Giliomee and Ronaldo Young both in line to make their debuts at the Singapore National Stadium. The squad also features the return of Sebastiaan Jobb, who last represented South Africa Sevens in Singapore in April last year.

There is also a welcome comeback for Siviwe Soyizwapi, who has not featured for the Blitzboks since the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles last May. Soyizwapi will captain the side, with regular skipper Impi Visser rested for the trip, which will also include the HSBC SVNS Perth early in February.

Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman said injuries, planned rotation and long-term squad development all shaped the selection.

“All the senior guys will get some rest before the three World Championship tournaments,” said Snyman.

“Impi’s workload in Dubai and Cape Town was huge, so we decided to give him a break. The decision was made easier with Siviwe being fit again, so he will replace him in the forwards and take over the captaincy for this trip as well.”

Changes in the backline were driven by availability issues and a desire to continue building depth.

“Unfortunately Ronald Brown and Selvyn Davids picked up injuries in Cape Town in December and are not yet available for selection, as is Dewald Human, so that impacted our options in the playmaker position.

“Luan Giliomee will slot in there, while Sebastiaan Jobb and Ronaldo Young will add some real spark to the outside backs.

“Quewin Nortje is also recovering well from his injury, and unfortunately Gino Cupido had a setback earlier this week, so they were no considered for selection for this trip,” Snyman added.

Giliomee arrives with an impressive age-grade CV, having represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago in 2023, the SA Schools and U18 sides in 2024, and touring Ireland and France with the SA U19 Academy last year. He joined the Blitzboks training squad from Durban late last year after featuring for the Hollywoodbets Sharks age group sides.

Young, meanwhile, represented the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers on the wing last season before linking up with the Blitzboks on a dual contract.

“Renaldo has been training very well since he joined us and did really well for the SA ‘A’-side in Dubai last year – I am excited to see what he can do,” Snyman said.

“Sebastiaan is also back and looked really sharp in training. All three are part of the depth building system we are busy with as 2028 approaches.”

Blitzboks squad for Singapore:
1. Christie Grobbelaar
2. Ryan Oosthuizen
3. Zain Davids
4. Ricardo Duarttee
5. Nabo Sokoyi
6. Siviwe Soyizwapi (captain)
7. Shilton van Wyk
8. Donavan Don
9. Sebastiaan Jobb
10. David Brits
11. Renaldo Young
12. Zander Reynders
13. Tristan Leyds
14. Luan Giliomee