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Cape Town - There’s plenty of excitement ahead of Springbok Sevens speedster Sandile Ngcobo’s World Rugby Sevens Series debut in Wellington, New Zealand next weekend.
Following their Cup triumph in Cape Town, the Blitzboks will head to Australasia, where they will compete in back-to-back tournaments in Wellington (January 30 and 31) and Sydney (February 6 and 7).
There are fresh faces in the squad, including exciting talent Ngcobo, who will be making his World Series debut in New Zealand. The 26-year-old is excited to prove his worth on the field.
“It feels great making the squad. I’ve been training with the guys for a long time, so it’s nothing new for me, but it’s still very exciting,” Ngcobo told MyPlayers.
“My experience in the Academy team has helped a lot. We’ve toured and I’ve experienced foreign environments. I’ve also spent a lot of time with the coaches, which has developed my game and conditioning.
“These experiences have been instrumental during my growth as a sevens player and I know it’s going to take a lot to impress at this level.”
Ngcobo hails from Alexandria and started his rugby career coming through the Golden Lions junior structures. He then spent four seasons at the Valke before making the switch the sevens rugby.
He also went on loan to Griquas during last season’s Currie Cup too, along with sevens team-mate Ruhan Nel.
Known for his pace, Ngcobo promised to bring the gas: “You just need to keep your eyes on the screen. I hope to make the country proud!”
Springbok Sevens team-mate and good friend Seabelo Senatla is excited to see what Ngcobo can produce on the World Series stage.
“Sandile’s call-up is an emotional topic for me because I know how hard he’s worked to get where he is,” said Senatla. “He’s always working the hardest at training and has been putting in the hard yards throughout his time in the sevens camp.
“I think he deserves this chance. He just needs to relax and play to the best of his abilities.
“He’s a small player, but very bulky. He’s strong, but also very agile. He moves well between the small spaces and has the speed to expose the defence. He is also strong in the tackle. He’s going to be one guy to watch in Wellington!”
The Springbok Sevens squad for New Zealand and Australia (all SA Rugby contracted unless specified):
Chris Dry (46)
Philip Snyman (32, captain)
Carel du Preez (3)
Kwagga Smith (17)
Sandile Ngcobo (0)
Francois Hougaard (2)
Cheslin Kolbe (Western Province, 10)
Ryno Benjamin (Free State Cheetahs, 31)
Justin Geduld (20)
Rosko Specman (7)
Seabelo Senatla (21)
Juan de Jongh (Western Province, 3)
For more exclusive player content, check out MyPlayers.co.za
