The Blitzboks are making some key changes as they head into the Vancouver leg of the HSBC SVNS, bringing back Sebastiaan Jobb and Tristan Leyds in a bid to sharpen their attack. Head coach Philip Snyman announced the 13-man squad on Thursday, confirming the duo’s return as South Africa looks to build on their strong start to the season.
A SPEED BOOST FOR THE BLITZBOKS?
After finishing fourth in Perth last month, Snyman has opted for tactical adjustments, replacing Zain Davids with Jobband bringing in Leyds for Dewald Human.
Jobb, who last played in the 2023 Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments, has battled injuries but now gets his shot on the artificial pitch of BC Place. The 25-year-old has experience with the Junior Springboks and the Vodacom Bulls and is expected to bring blistering pace to the side.
“We will play on an artificial pitch, where the game will be faster, and Sebastiaan’s pace will be a huge factor,” Snyman explained.
Meanwhile, Leyds, who starred in Cape Town’s title-winning campaign before a hand injury ruled him out of Perth, is back to take on the playmaking responsibilities.
“Tristan had two very good outings in Dubai and Cape Town and slotted right back in,” Snyman said. “Dewald has played three tournaments in a row and deserves a rest—he’ll now focus on preparing the next group of players back home.”
A TOUGH DRAW IN VANCOUVER
The Blitzboks face a challenging Pool B lineup, kicking off their campaign against New Zealand, before battling Irelandand Australia.
“We prefer it that way,” Snyman stated. “The tougher the start, the better we do—like in Cape Town earlier this series.”
SPRINGBOK SEVENS SQUAD FOR VANCOUVER
🇿🇦 Blitzboks Pool B Fixtures (SA times):
📅 Friday, 21 February
🕙 22h02 – vs New Zealand
📅 Saturday, 22 February
🕞 03h29 – vs Ireland
🕘 21h36 – vs Australia
🔥 Springbok Sevens Squad:
• Ryan Oosthuizen (#2) – 52 tournaments, 225 points (45 tries)
• Impi Visser (#3, co-captain) – 42 tournaments, 215 points (43 tries)
• Ricardo Duarttee (#5) – 15 tournaments, 248 points (19 tries, 75 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
• Ronald Brown (#7) – 18 tournaments, 394 points (40 tries, 97 conversions)
• Selvyn Davids (#8, co-captain) – 38 tournaments, 701 points (92 tries, 119 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
• Siviwe Soyizwapi (#11) – 56 tournaments, 760 points (152 tries)
• Shilton van Wyk (#12) – 23 tournaments, 210 points (42 tries)
• Quewin Nortje (#14) – 9 tournaments, 125 points (25 tries)
• Donavan Don (#15) – 6 tournaments, 45 points (9 tries)
• Sebastiaan Jobb (#16) – 2 tournaments, 10 points (2 tries)
• David Brits (#19) – 6 tournaments, 40 points (8 tries)
• Zander Reynders (#21) – 2 tournaments, 0 points
• Tristan Leyds (#24) – 7 tournaments, 106 points (14 tries, 18 conversions)
🗞️ Story by Jay
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