Blitzbokke gear up for Dubai clash

The Springbok Sevens have an experienced squad with key players returning from injury ahead of the Dubai Sevens which starts next weekend.

The Blitzbokke dominated the World Sevens Series last season and hope to get this year’s campaign off with a victory.

SA Rugby Sevens Academy squad as well as a Springbok Women’s Sevens team were also announced in Stellenbosch on Friday.

The Blitzbokke claimed five of the ten titles last season and also made eight finals winning 80% of their matches. Kyle Brown returns from a serious knee injury as does Justin Geduld who missed five tournaments due to a foot injury.

“Overall very happy Kyle making his return and also Cecil coming back from a long injury and will be available after quite some time and then the other guys coming back from 15’s really happy and the prep went well the last couple of weeks so looking forward to the tournament in Dubai,” said Seven’s captain, Philip Snyman.

Speedster Seabelo Senatla and Kwagga Smith are also back from Super Rugby commitments. However, the Blitzbokke are aware that the competition is tough and fierce.

“I think England have a very good squad also a very matured squad then also New Zealand this year with a new coach and guys that have got a lot of experience they want to bounce back there is no team that you can write off, Snyman said.

Rosco Specman has been nominated as one of the Sevens Players of the Year and the team looks stronger than ever with players like Werner Kok, Branco du Preez, Chris Dry and Captain Philip Snyman.

“One of our things is that we are ambassadors not just for Springbok Sevens but for SA as well on and off the field every time the guys put that jersey on they represent SA and the people back at home that gives us a lot of support we don’t but disappoint our fans out there,” said Sevens coach, Neil Powell.

The Springbok Women’s Sevens team will debut in Dubai after securing the Rugby Africa title in Tunisia in September.

The Blitzbokke play in the Dubai Sevens this weekend and then it’s the Cape Town Sevens next weekend.