Fit-again duo bolster Blitzboks

Dewald Human and Gino Cupido missed out on the first of the three World Championship events – won by the Blitzboks in Hong Kong last month –  but they have recovered from injury.

“It is great to be able to select from a big squad for our final two tournaments, as we only have Christie Grobbelaar [calf], Nabo Sokoyi [shoulder] and Zander Reynders [shoulder] out of contention,” said Blitzboks coach Philip Snyman.

“I had some tough decisions to make but opted for Dewald as an extra flyhalf option given the back-to-back tournaments, while Gino replaces Donavan Don at centre, where we are looking for a bit more height in the midfield and a slight change in approach in that position.

“I have to compliment and mention our medical team who again did an excellent job to have so many players fit, ready and in contention for selection.”

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Human and Shilton van Wyk look set to reach 35 tournaments when the Blitzboks arrive in Bordeaux for the second tournament of the trip.

“That is a benchmark in our team, so it will be a special moment for both, something that will be shared by all, as well as those who did not make the squad,” said Snyman. “The guys that stay behind deserve a lot of credit for their hard work as well.”

The Blitzboks will face Great Britain, Kenya and Australia in Pool A at Estadio Jose Zorrilla next week.

Blitzboks squad: Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser (c), Zain Davids, Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids, Dewald Human, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, Quewin Nortje, Sebastiaan Jobb, David Brits, Tristan Leyds, Jayden Nell, Gino Cupido.

Blitzboks’ Valladolid pool fixtures (SA times)
Friday, 29 May
12:34pm: Great Britain
5:08pm: Kenya
Saturday, 29 May
1:23pm: Australia