Blitzboks bolstered by return of key trio ahead of HSBC SVNS finale in LA

The trio have been part of the squad during the regular season where South Africa finished fourth overall, but missed recent tournaments due to injury and Blitzbok head coach Philip Snyman is delighted to have them back for next weekend's tournament at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Nortje missed the tournament in Singapore, Brown's last appearance was in the final of the Vancouver tournament and Ndhlovu was part of the all-conquering squad that claimed the South African leg of the series in Cape Town in December.

They replace Donavan Don, Dewald Human and Sebastiaan Jobb respectively.

"Donavan and Dewald picked up injuries in Singapore and Sebastiaan is still suspended following his red card in Singapore," Snyman said.

"It is great to have those three back, as they all have game-breaking abilities. Quewin's pace and finishing ability out wide is very valuable, while Mfundo's physicality in the midfield gives us more options on how we want to attack. He runs great short lines, which can set up rucks in the midfield, situations where Ronald's pace off the mark can punish opponents. But individuals aside, it will be a team effort that will bring success or not."

Every single Blitzbok in the squad has been part of at least one career HSBC SVNS tournament victory, something Snyman feels can be replicated in the USA.

"This format, with only eight teams competing in two pools, is challenging, but we have beaten France, Great Britain and Argentina before this year, so I am confident that we will progress to the semi-finals on day two."

The Blitzbok coach said he has some game plans ready for the pool matches: "We have a variety of combinations available, and I am looking at the best ones for each opponent.

"We had a poor match in our last outing against Great Britain, France remain a very competitive team and Argentina have just won the series, so it will be really challenging.

"Our record in the once-off tournaments has been good though and I know we leave Cape Town on Sunday well-prepared and determined to finish the season with a performance that everyone can be proud of."

Pool A fixtures (SA times)

Saturday, 3 May

21h12: France

Sunday 4 May

00h13: Great Britain

03h46: Argentina

Springbok Sevens squad: Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids (captain), Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Quewin Nortje, David Brits, Zander Reynders, Tristan Leyds.