Seb Atkinson has framed England’s looming collision with the Springboks as both a personal “statement” opportunity and a brutal examination of identity. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
The rookie centre declared he is ready to “put my footprint on it” against the world champions’ heavyweight midfield at Ellis Park on Saturday.
“Every time you get to play for England, there’s so many more eyes on your game,” he said at a media briefing in Sandton. “There’s always that want to play well and shine, and if you are able to do it against the best players in the world, then that will only push it on even further.”
The Gloucester centre’s immediate focus is the imposing figure of Damian de Allende, a benchmark for midfield excellence.
“He’s a great ball-carrier, he’s got the ability to ball-play as well,” Atkinson said. “I’ve been watching him, he’s inspired me. It’ll be exciting to test myself against the best.”
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Yet admiration will not dilute the edge.
“That’s what rugby is all about. This is like an alpha test,” he added. “But you don’t want to forget who you are as a player. It’s about being physical but also having the ability to beat people.”
Atkinson’s rise has been built on that balance , not simply trucking into contact, but making split-second calls under pressure.
“It’s always finding the right balance, scanning and deciding what is the right thing to do,” he said. “Create speed of ball, or if you see space, communicate it, get the ball into the people’s hands that can do the most damage.”
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That philosophy extends to England’s evolving attacking shape, where the inside centre operates “flat” on the gainline, taking hits to unlock space.
“If you get hit and you get the ball away, then you’ve done your job,” he said. “Sometimes I almost want that to happen.”
Competition within the squad has sharpened the edge.
“Every training session, you want to make sure that you’re doing the most you can,” Atkinson said. “That competition is invaluable, it forces you to bring out your best at all times.”
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Facing South Africa, emotion will come later; execution comes first.
“Right now it’s about tactics, what we want to impose on the game,” he said.
But the excitement is unmistakeable.
“It’s still really exciting to get picked on an England tour, hopefully that never wears off,” Atkinson added. “I’m just really, really excited.”
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Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Atkinson targets ‘alpha test’ against Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Seb Atkinson has framed England’s looming collision with the Springboks as both a personal “statement” opportunity and a brutal examination of identity.
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