Snyman back to boost Blitzboks

INJURY-FREE: HIS EXPERIENCE VITAL IN THE CITY OF SIN

The experienced Philip Snyman (left) is back from injury and will yet again spearhead the Springbok Sevens’ effort next weekend in Las Vegas when they contest round five of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Snyman, one of only six South Africans to play in 50 World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments, missed the previous tournament in Hamilton, New Zealand, earlier this month due to a hamstring injury.

Three other half centurions are also Nevada-bound – Kyle Brown (62 tournaments), Branco du Preez (57) and Cecil Afrika (55) will provide the team with experience in Las Vegas, where outside back Muller du Plessis could potentially make his Blitzbok debut.

Du Plessis went to Hamilton as a replacement player, but was ruled out due to a knock sustained in training before the tournament kicked off. The 18-year-old will become Blitzbok No 168 if he is called into the starting 12.

Coach Neil Powell made six changes to the team that played in the final in New Zealand. Four of those are due to Super Rugby commitments, with Seabelo Senatla, Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Tim Agaba (Bulls) and Kwagga Smith (Lions) all back with their respective franchises, while injuries to Justin Geduld (jaw) and Rosko Specman (hamstring) ruled them out of selection.

Powell selected Selvyn Davids to fill the playmaker role left vacant by Geduld, while there is also a return to action for Ryan Oosthuizen, Siviwe Soyizwapi and Ruhan Nel for the trip. Nel also missed out on Hamilton due to injury, but is now ready to play in the US tournament.

Davids and Oosthuizen will be in action for the first time in the current series, after making their Blitzbok debuts in the 2016/17 season, in which South Africa claimed overall honours.

The Blitzboks face Wales, Canada and England in Pool B in Las Vegas. – Own Correspondent