Blitzbok coach Philip Snyman praises depth-building efforts after Rugby Africa Sevens triumph

Blitzbok coach Philip Snyman feels the mission to build depth in South Africa’s Sevens ranks is well on track after the Springbok Sevens ‘A’ squad claimed the Rugby Africa Sevens Cup in Port Louis, Mauritius, on Sunday.

They beat Madagascar 26-12 in the final at Labourdonnais Sports Club. Earlier on Sunday, they overcame Zimbabwe 19-12 in the semi-finals and defending champions Uganda 26-0 in the quarter-finals.

“This was a good effort, and I am happy with the way the squad applied themselves and executed their duties,” said Snyman.

“We had eight players who are uncapped at HSBC SVNS level and they all fitted into the system and the team as the tournament took shape. We wanted to give those players proper match time, as it does take a tournament or three before you are ready for the world series, and they responded well.

“The African teams are very physical, which is always a tough challenge, and then we encountered Madagascar – who play like Fiji with their offloads – in the final, so that was a valuable learning curve for the new players.”

Snyman admitted that the display was far from flawless, despite going unbeaten. The Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side started sluggishly in the pool stage, opening with a cagey 17-5 win over Nigeria.

The experience of co-captains Mfundo Ndhlovu and Sebastiaan Jobb then came to the fore. Two tries in quick succession by Ndhlovu broke Zambia's resistance in a 33-14 win. Jobb followed that with a hat-trick in the 31-0 win over Burkina Faso in the final pool match.

“It definitely was not perfect, but we got the answers that we came to get out of this tournament. So I think it was a good tournament, especially with all the youngsters that we had, building depth in our squad,” Snyman said.

“One of our objectives was to build depth in the team and give the youngsters the opportunity to play and to know exactly what it is and how it feels to play in a world series event. That’s what we achieved out of this weekend. There were a lot of mistakes, but a lot of positives, too.”

Jobb also acknowledged the crucial role of the tournament as a tool to expand the sevens talent pool and expose players to different playing styles.

“I think the value for us as a team, as young players that came here to play their first sevens tournament, is important because it gives us different pictures against the African teams. That’s really important for us to build depth in our system and in our squad,” he said.

“The hot conditions and physical approach by the other teams meant that we had to dig deep and apply ourselves, and the guys did that really well – and that is something everyone in the squad can be proud of.

“The African teams have a very physical way they play sevens, and our guys adapted well to that – something that will be needed when you progress to the world series. So, well done to all of them.”

Jobb’s co-captain, Ndhlovu, agreed on the value of the experience, feeling it would give the newcomers a proper understanding of the demands “once they play for the Blitzboks”.

That may not be too far off for some of the players.

“I can see a future for some of these youngsters in the Springbok Sevens jersey,” Snyman predicted.