Blitzboks eye strong start against France, Fiji and Argentina in season opener

Head coach Philip Snyman, a tournament veteran with eight appearances, echoed the optimism of captain Impi Visser and senior squad member Ryan Oosthuizen, saying the team is as prepared as possible.

Snyman, however, stressed that experience alone doesn't guarantee success. In the high-intensity environment of The Sevens this weekend, what matters most is delivering on the day.

"I am very happy with our preparations," said Snyman.

"Our pre-season went well and in our training session with Great Britain here at Dubai College in the week, things also went very well. So, we are ready.

"Our confidence is good, but this format is a different beast and unlike any other we have seen before for a season opener. The harsh reality is that you have to be on top of your game for every encounter, such is the quality of our opposition."

The Blitzboks face France, Fiji and Argentina in Pool A and Snyman are well aware of their threats: "France are the Olympic champions and won the Championship the year before us; Fiji are probably the most recognised sevens country in the world and then there is Argentina, who won the series over the last couple of years. We could not have asked for a tougher start."

The Springbok Sevens travelled to Dubai with the most experienced squad in the tournament and are the only squad not featuring an uncapped player, but the Fijians are leading in try-scoring stats and the most combined points scored, and France boast Olympic gold medal winners.

Snyman previously spoke about his bigger plan for the season, blooding new players during the series and although he is not looking past the opening day at The Sevens, admitted that next weekend's tournament in Cape Town is also on the radar.

"We know if we hit the ground running in Dubai and do well, we have all the momentum going to Cape Town next weekend to play in the tournament we all strive for. That said, France await," he said.

Pools

A: South Africa, France, Argentina, Fiji

B: Spain, New Zealand, Great Britain, Australia

Blitzboks' Saturday Schedule (SA times)

11h32: France

14h16: Fiji

18h34: Argentina

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