Robert Ebersohn makes a welcome return to the Blitzbokke after a two year absence since he helped capture the HSBC Sevens World Series in 2009.
The Free Stater has been included in a 14-man Springbok Sevens travelling squad for the first three rounds of the Series, which kicks off on 25-26 November at the Gold Coast in Brisbane and will be followed by tournaments in Dubai and Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth, on consecutive weekends.
Ebersohn, who showed some good pace and exciting stepping against the Ikeys earlier in the week, accepted an invitation from coach Paul Treu to temporarily return to Sevens rugby until the end of this year.
He is one of several familiar faces returning to the Bok Sevens fold for the opening stanza of the new season. Chase Minnaar is fit again and looking forward to establish himself as a regular after he missed the bulk of last season because of a motorcycle injury. Veteran attacker Renfred Dazel has shrugged off his knee problems which restricted his game time for much of 2011 and his availability will add much needed experience to the backline.
There is also a return for Sharks player Mark Richards, who made his international debut in 2010 in Dubai.
Newly signed Stephan Dippenaar was unlucky to suffer an ankle injury against the Maties on Wednesday and was therefore not selected, while 19-year old William Small-Smith got the nod again after he impressed during his first two tournaments in England and Scotland at the end of the previous season.
Player of the Year, Cecil Afrika is still recovering from a broken cheekbone, yet was included in the travelling party but he will not be part of the final squad of 12 for the Gold Coast.
“We played less training matches this time compared to previous years, but we will fine-tune our preparations over the next two weeks so that we are ready and fully prepared for the first tournament,” explained Treu.
Squad departure to Brisbane is next Friday, 18 November.
The travelling squad for the first three rounds of the Sevens World Series:
1. Chris Dry
2. Kyle Brown (captain)
3. Frankie Horne
4. Boom Prinsloo
5. Chase Minnaar
6. Paul Delport
7. Renfred Dazel
8. Mark Richards
9. Steven Hunt
10. Bernado Botha
11. Robert Ebersohn
12. William Small-Smith
13. Cecil Afrika
14. Branco du Preez
Getting a little love from skipper Kyle Brown and Paul Treu chatting to us media freaks amongst the Beyerskloof wine vats …
