Paris – Rosko “Speckmagic” Specman is confident that the Springbok Sevens team is primed for their Paris 2024 Olympic campaign.
The 35-year-old pocket rocket – playing in his second Olympic Games – speaks about the Blitzboks first clash of the Games in Pool A against Ireland at 17:30 on Wednesday, 24 July 2024.
WATCH SPECKMAGIC BELOW:
Much like their 15-man counterparts, Ireland have proved to be a bogey side for the South Africans during the World Sevens season – they were beaten by the men from the Emerald Isle five times in six meetings – but Specman backs the Blitzboks to get through their pool.
“I guess Ireland is always back and forwards, it’s always the team that punches first,” Specman said in Paris.
“We have seen how they have given us a hard time throughout this (Sevens) season, but we have all the pictures now, know what they’re going to bring, and how we can counter-ruck that.
“In the first game, you’ll see the energy. The coach has a nice plan for us to go against this Ireland team.
“There’s a big history because of all the codes. It’s always a big thing but this time, we’ll have the upper hand.”
“They (South African fans) like the energy that this team brings to them,” said Specman.
“I know they’ll be awake [and watching] when ‘Spec Magic’ is doing his thing. When ‘Spec Magic’ is there on the field, they know it’s always a magic moment.”
Meanwhile Argentina, Australia, Samoa and Kenya are in Pool B.
Hosts France will face defending champions Fiji, USA and Uruguay in Pool C.
Rugby Sevens Olympic squad:
Men: Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Zain Davids, Quewin Nortje, Tiaan Pretorius, Shaun Williams, Selvyn Davids, Tristan Leyds, Rosko Specman, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk
