The Blitzboks’ Cape Town Sevens triumph has come at a cost.
Coach Philip Snyman is sweating over the fitness of key playmakers Selwyn Davids (groin), Ronald Brown (shoulder) and Tristan Leyds (concussion) ahead of the Singapore Sevens at the end of January.
Snyman confirmed to Netwerk24 that experienced campaigners Siviwe Soyizwapi, Gino Cupido and Quewin Nortje could be available for the next leg of the series, which is welcome news amid a growing injury list.
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Beyond that trio, stalwarts Dewald Human and Tiaan Pretorius are also in the selection mix, while uncapped talents Grant de Jager, Juan Smith and Joel Leotlela have emerged as additional options as the Blitzboks look to stretch their squad depth.
“There is definitely a possibility that we could use some of those guys in what will be a long season,” Snyman said.
“People sometimes underestimate the energy that new players bring. We saw it again this past weekend with Nabo Sokoyi. It’s part of our plan to build our squad depth, especially with an eye on the bigger goal, the Olympic Games in 2028.”
Snyman stressed, however, that any new caps will be earned rather than handed out.
“We will definitely give one or two new guys an opportunity during the season, but we don’t make the jersey cheap by just handing out chances. It has to be earned on the training field, and the player must have the respect of the squad.”
Photo: David Van Der Sandt/Gallo Images
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