RYAN'S TRYIN'

EXPERIENCED Blitzbok forward Ryan Oosthuizen says he and his teammates are prepared to fight for each other at this weekend’s Hong Kong SVNS event.

Now fourth and level on 62 points with third-placed Fiji, the South Africans are chasing leaders Argentina (68) and Spain (64), with two tournaments to go in Hong Kong and then next weekend’s Singapore event before the grand finale.

That finale is of course  the World Championship that involves the top-eight teams only, in Los Angeles in May.

For now though, Oosthuizen, who arrived in Hong Kong this week for the seventh time as a Springbok Sevens player, feels there is a real belief among the players in the squad that they are improving as a team and doing the right things well.

Oosthuizen says: “We are really in a good space.

“There is a genuine bond amongst the guys, who enjoy each other’s company off the field too and that makes for a happy squad who are prepared to work for each other on the field.

“That bodes well for this weekend, where we will face three tough pool opponents in Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand.

“It was almost unreal to think back to 2017 when I came here as a young kid making my debut and now, all these years on, I am almost 30 and about to become a dad. What a journey it has been for me. A wonderful journey, I might add.”

Oosthuizen, who will be playing in his 54th SVNS tournament, adds: “We can see the results of the hard work and although we have only reaped some rewards, we are really buying into the coaching philosophy and structure.”

While things are going well on the pitch, Oosthuizen also reserved some praise for coach Philip Snyman and his coaching staff.

He says: “Adding to that, our management team are also doing great things. Our strength and conditioning coach, Ghafoer Luckan, keeps us fit, but also fresh for each challenge. That is probably why I am still going, thanks to our medical staff.”

SA face Uruguay (11.56am) and Australia (2.39pm) on Friday, and New Zealand (7.43am) on Saturday in Pool B action.