The Springbok Sevens team have arrived in Vancouver for the latest HSBC SVNS Series round, with regular skipper Impi Visser back at the helm and eager to make his mark at BC Place.
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The Springbok Sevens head into this weekend’s Vancouver Sevens determined to maintain their impressive form in the 2026 HSBC SVNS Series, with a refreshed captain Impi Visser back to lead a squad blending experience with emerging talent.
The Blitzboks have already claimed two titles from the opening four tournaments this season – In Cape Town and in Perth last month, and head coach Philip Snyman believes the group has both the quality and belief to challenge again at BC Place.
“We have a strong, experienced squad here in Canada,” said Snyman after the team completed their preparations in Vancouver. “We prepared well and everyone is raring to go, so we are hoping for a good weekend.”
South Africa face a demanding Pool A alongside Great Britain, Spain and New Zealand – three opponents Snyman insists will punish any lapse in standards.
“There is no easy game on the circuit any more,” he said. “Great Britain have been improving and have turned over some big teams recently. Spain finished second in last year’s series and have some experienced players back, while New Zealand can turn it on at any time. They beat us the last time we played them in Singapore.”
That reality places extra importance on the Blitzboks’ opening clash against Great Britain on Saturday evening (SA time), with the condensed tournament format leaving little margin for error.
“From game one it’s basically knockout rugby,” said Snyman. “If you lose early, there’s a chance you don’t make the semi-finals. So every match is crucial and that first game against Great Britain can set the tone.”
The return of several experienced campaigners has boosted the squad for the Canadian leg. Playmaker Selvyn Davids, livewire scrumhalf Ronald Brown and Visser himself all return after missing the previous tournaments, adding leadership to a side that also includes uncapped forward Grant de Jager and back Gino Cupido, who is featuriung in his ceond tournament.
Snyman believes the blend of experience and youth is a key strength of the current group.
“We selected the young guys for a reason because they have very good qualities,” he said. “The senior players provide calm and leadership, while the younger players bring energy. That balance is important as we build depth for the future.”
Visser, who was rested for the Singapore–Perth leg, said the break had allowed him to recover physically while also reinforcing the long-term vision within the squad.
“As a forward you’re involved in a lot of contact, so over time it takes a toll on the body,” said the skipper. “You always want to play every tournament, but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and make sure you extend your career.”
The 48-tournament veteran believes the current squad is the most competitive environment the Blitzboks have had since the international circuit resumed after the Covid-19 disruption.
“In my opinion this is the strongest and most competitive squad we’ve had post-Covid,” Visser said. “Everyone is pushing for their spot and that competitive excellence lifts the whole group.”
South Africa benefited from a training match against France earlier this week, giving returning players valuable game rhythm ahead of the tournament that will be followed by New York.
“It’s always good to face a different team because we normally train against each other,” said Visser. “France asked questions of our defence and it helped the guys coming back get used to that level again.”