Blitzboks assistant coach Renfred Dazel believes the team can still deliver in Singapore despite the absence of key playmakers.
The Blitzboks arrived in humid Singapore in strong form, having won the previous SVNS tournament in Cape Town in December and topping the standings after the opening two events. They have also scored more tries than any other team so far this season, underlining their attacking threat.
Familiarity with the conditions, the playing surface and the six-hour time difference should all serve as confidence boosters, although travelling without three established playmakers was not part of the original plan.
Selvyn Davids, Ronald Brown and Dewald Human have all lifted World Series and World Championship trophies and boast a wealth of experience, but Dazel believes the squad’s depth can compensate for their absence, with all three sidelined through injury.
Their influence on attack is well documented. In Cape Town, South Africa scored 19 tries from third phase or more – well above the tournament average of 13 – and 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.
“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 and flyhalf.
“And not to forget the skills of Donavan Don, who can move from the outside backs to flyhalf as well.”
MORE: Blitzboks reset for Singapore
Dazel said providing opportunities to emerging players is part of a broader plan.
“We were always going to give new players opportunities as we build depth towards the 2028 Olympic Games, and I am confident in the abilities of players like Nabo, Luan and Renaldo Young to make the step-up expected at this level,” he said.
“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.”
Selected 2025-26 SVNS stats
Most team tries
37 – South Africa
36 – Argentina
36 – Fiji
35 – New Zealand
33 – France
Top SA try-scorers:
9 – Shilton van Wyk
6 – Donavan Don
4 – Christie Grobbelaar
Top SA point-scorers
45 – Shilton van Wyk
30 – Donavan Don
27 – Ricardo Duarttee
Photo: Piaras O’Midheach/Getty Images
The post Dazel backs rejigged Blitzboks attack to fire appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Blitzboks assistant coach Renfred Dazel believes the team can still deliver in Singapore despite the absence of key playmakers.
The post Dazel backs rejigged Blitzboks attack to fire appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
