Blitzbok veteran Justin Geduld is thrilled to be back in action after a 15-month absence due to a knee injury, and playing in the Toulouse leg of the World Sevens Series.
Geduld returns just in time for the France Sevens, kicking off on Friday, with the Blitzboks starting their mission in seventh place on the log. Olympic qualification is a top priority for the South Africans, and he knows what it takes to win a tournament and a World Series.
The 29-year-old is an experienced playmaker, having played in more than 50 World Series tournaments and scoring more than 1, 000 career points. He is confident about South Africa’s chances in the France Sevens and the team’s qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“I did not realise it until someone mentioned it, but everyone in our squad has won on the World Series and knows what it takes to win a tournament and in fact, a World Series,” he said.
“Combine that with the knowledge that we really trained well in Stellenbosch during the last couple of weeks and there is reason for optimism.”
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Coach Sandile Ngcobo is thrilled to have Geduld back on the team, along with Dewald Human and Ronald Brown, who have also recovered from injuries. Shaun Williams and Ricardo Duarttee have also returned from their recent injuries sustained in the Singapore tournament.
“It will certainly help to have all of us back,” Geduld said. “There will be no pressure on a specific player upon his return, me included, as we can all fulfill that role and support each other in that.
“I have a lot of confidence in the ability of these teammates and with the knowledge that we had a good prep back home, feel that we can approach this tournament with a strong mindset.”
The road to recovery was a patient one for Geduld, but he is excited to savor World Series action again. Toulouse holds a special place in his heart, and he is looking forward to walking around a city where rugby is huge, and friend and Springbok ace Cheslin Kolbe played for French Top 14 giants Toulouse.
However, his focus is getting back on the field and representing his country. “Being back with the team, getting that tournament feeling again and walking around in a city where rugby is so huge and Cheslin played are a part of that.
“But the big focus is getting back onto the field and representing my country again. I am ready for this moment as I was waiting for it, patiently,” added Geduld.
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