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Blitzboks Set for Dubai SVNS Opener as Oosthuizen Returns for 57th Tournament

The new top-eight format will intensify every match for a settled South African squad.

Overview

  • The 2025–26 HSBC SVNS begins in Dubai on 29–30 November, with Cape Town next on 6–7 December.
  • Ryan Oosthuizen says the revamped eight-team events will be a “dog fight” with final-level intensity from the first pool game.
  • South Africa emphasize continuity, retaining 11 of the 13 players who featured in last season’s Los Angeles finale.
  • Oosthuizen, concussed in Dubai last year, is fit for his 57th SVNS tournament and is four tries short of 50 career scores.
  • The selected squad lists Impi Visser as captain, with Zain Davids, Selvyn Davids, Ronald Brown and Ricardo Duarttee among the inclusions.