Ryan Oosthuizen: 'We have to be spot on in our execution'

Ryan Oosthuizen has emphasised the need for high standards from the Blitzboks ahead of the opening round of the new HSBC SVNS season.

The 30-year-old is looking to become a champion in Dubai for the seventh time this weekend. Last year he was ruled out of the competition early with concussion and watched as the side made an early exit at the quarter-final stages.

Speaking ahead of his team’s departure from Cape Town for the Middle East, before a return to the Western Cape for their home tournament, Oosthuizen expects a tough competition all season.

Grouped with Argentina, Fiji and France, the 2024/25 World Championship winners know that they will have to be at the top of their game from the very first whistle.

“The format has changed for this season, and it is going to be a dog fight,” Oosthuizen said. “With only the best eight teams playing, every match will have the intensity of a final and one can expect every match, from the first one in the pool, to be very competitive. We will have to be spot on in our execution from the first minute.”

Oosthuizen is the most-experienced player named in Philip Snyman’s squad for the season opener.

Due to play in his 57th World Series tournament this weekend, the 30-year-old has been part of the furniture since his debut in Hong Kong in 2016.

His time in a Blitzboks jersey has seen him part of three Series winning teams, a World Championship victory and an Olympic bronze medal.

Along with other stalwarts Zain Davids, Selvyn Davids and Impi Visser, the group have made it clear they are aiming for the top again.

“Some of us have been playing for this team since 2016 and we have several guys with multiple caps, so we know each other well,” Oosthuizen said. “That will help us out of tight spots I believe. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and can adapt accordingly.

“We did put in a lot of work over the last couple of weeks in the various stages of our pre-season and we will be ready. Everyone is excited about playing in the green and gold again and we will be up for it.”