Injured playmakers force tactical shift as Blitzboks target Singapore success

The Blitzboks have landed in humid Singapore in blistering form, fresh from a victory at the Cape Town HSBC SVNS in December.

Topping the log after two events, South Africa arrives as the competition's most lethal attacking force, having scored more tries than any other team in the opening rounds.

While familiarity with the local humidity, the playing surface, and the six-hour time difference provides a natural confidence booster, the squad faces a significant hurdle.

Arriving without proven playmakers Selvyn Davids, Ronald Brown, and Dewald Human - all sidelined by injury - was not part of the season’s initial planning.

The veteran trio has secured numerous global titles and hoisted both World Series and World Championship trophies. However, assistant coach Philip Dazel believes the squad’s depth can counter these losses.

The trio's impact on the attack is statistically significant. In Cape Town, South Africa scored 19 tries from the third phase or more - well above the tournament average of 13.

They also averaged 4.2 tries per match, compared to the tournament average of 3.4.

“We would have liked for at least one of them to be here, as they are world-class playmakers, but as always in rugby, this will provide the next player an opportunity to make his mark,” said Dazel, who oversees the Blitzboks’ attack.

Dazel noted that the team has adapted quickly due to the versatility of the current roster:

“We have made the necessary adjustments, mainly due to the versatility of the squad. We have a new player in Luan Giliomee, who is a specialist in that role, while Nabo Sokoyi, who was so impressive on debut in Cape Town at centre, can play scrumhalf/sweeper as well as flyhalf. And not to forget the skills of Donavan Don, who can move from the outside backs to flyhalf as well.”

Integrating new talent is a core component of the team's long-term strategy. Dazel emphasised that building depth is essential as the program looks toward the 2028 Olympic Games.

“I am confident in the abilities of players like Nabo, Luan, and Renaldo Young to make the step-up expected of playing at this level," Dazel added. "If we manage to stay within our structure and execute well, it will be a good weekend, despite the close margins between the eight sides competing.”

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE & GROUPSBlitzboks’ Pool Fixtures (Saturday, 31 January):

06h54: vs Spain

10h20: vs Great Britain

13h46: vs Fiji

Tournament Pools:

Pool A: South Africa, Spain, Great Britain, Fiji

Pool B: New Zealand, Australia, France, Argentina