Blitzbok coach Philip Snyman wants a killer instinct from his charges when they start the Singapore SVNS on Saturday morning.
Image: World Rugby
Last weekend in Hong Kong was a massive setback for the Blitzboks on their journey and a performance not up to their usual standard.
That is why head coach Philip Snyman promised a strong response when they start the Singapore SVNS on Saturday morning, taking on Great Britain and Argentina in the shortened tournament.
It’s the final one for the regular season of the World Series, and the South Africans are still in the running to finish amongst the top three.
For that, they will have to be flawless against the British (7.26am start) and Argentinians (10.44am), and only a complete performance from the first kick-off will see them progress to the playoffs on Sunday.
“We grew tremendously as a team over the last couple of months, and we won’t let one bad weekend get in the way of our long-term goals,” Snyman said.
“We need to make things right and everybody is on the same page in terms of that.
“We had tough talks as a team and some good training sessions.
“It’s not just about good training sessions... We must rock up this weekend and play with some attitude and heart.
“Executing our game-plan will be crucial, and we must use the opportunities we create.
“The emotions were left in Hong Kong; the team could not start the week with a negative mindset.
“Yes, we looked at the clips and gave the players the responsibility to analyse them.
“They had to identify and present where we made errors, and what we could do better. There was a clear picture all around. We made errors at game-changing moments.”
Snyman wants to see his team rectify those errors, and even though it was very humid on the training ground, the Springbok Sevens got in a couple of crucial sessions this week.
They identified their attack as a work-on, and the South Africans must ensure they keep possession during their matches.
According to the coach, that was one of the big areas they focused on because they can’t go into the Singapore games having only 30% or 40% of possession.
The different format, where only two pool games takes place and the top four in the groups will contest the semi-finals on day two, won’t deter the Blitzboks.
“It’s knockout stages from the get-go. We saw last weekend we had to be at our best for any game, and can’t just rock up thinking things will happen,” Snyman said.
“The team must have that killer mindset and instinct to put points on the board and take control of the game.
“From the first game against Great Britain, it’s knockout. The guys know the format, and are ready for the weekend.”
Snyman added that the two new additions to the squad this week, Sebastiaan Jobb and David Brits, who replaced injured duo Quewin Nortjé and Gino Cupido, have done well in training and will make a difference this weekend.
“It was also good for the rest of the squad to welcome the guys... that lifted the spirits, no doubt,” he said.
“This is in our hands to bounce right back up, and everyone is determined to do so.”
Blitzboks Pool Schedule (SA times)
Saturday, 7.26am: Great Britain. 10.44am: Argentina
