‘Why whine, I will chase Bok No 9 jersey’

boks and has played for them. When you put goals out there it is also disappointing but it also motivates one to play harder and improve,” Hougaard said.

While Hougaard’s preference to play on the wing in this year’s Super Rugby competition may have contributed to his exclusion from the national team, it was a move that brought a lot of happiness to a player whose exceptional talent and versatility could prove to be a poisoned chalice.

However, the 27-year-old confirmed that he would be playing at scrumhalf for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup season to give himself a fighting chance of making a return to the Springbok team.

Hougaard’s optimism stems from Meyer’s comments this week that there are still places up for grabs in the Springbok World Cup squad and he will be keeping a close eye on individuals during the Currie Cup.

“I enjoyed my rugby this season. Not every game will be an outstanding game but there were a few games I enjoyed playing on the wing. I had a lot of fun in Super Rugby but for the Currie Cup I am going to focus on No 9.”

“I have played scrumhalf before for the Springboks. I have hopes of going to the World Cup, it is my goal and will remain my goal up until that squad is finalised. I’m fully committed to playing here (South Africa) because I could have gone overseas and run away from the challenges. I am not someone who runs away from a challenge. I think life is all about challenges and I could not have found a better one by not being in the Springbok squad,” said Hougaard.

If Hougaard can replicate the same form that saw him become one of the world’s most lethal attacking players in 2010 and 2011 then there is no reason why the former Paul Roos pupil cannot secure his place and feature in his second consecutive World Cup.

Hougaard said he is willing to make the necessary sacrifices and a move back to scrumhalf will stand him in good stead to challenge for a place in the squad with Fourie du Preez injured and the likes of Ruan Pienaar, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach and Rudy Paige having been behind him in the pecking order in previous years.

“Change is good and I think I needed change.

“This is an awesome challenge and I’m more than ready for it. I’m training harder than I have ever trained and that is what comes with wanting something, you need to make a lot of sacrifices.

“I will focus on nine and try my best to make my mark.

“If I get selected for the Springboks at least I will be ready because I would have played there (nine) and make sure I am fit and ready.

“However, there is always the discussion about whether I should play at nine or 14.

“Whether I get selected for the Springboks is not in my hands. I didn’t make the squad but I am a fighter and I will never back down.

“Maybe it is a good thing that I have this challenge to work towards.

“I am a fighter and if anyone has any doubts, I will prove them wrong,” Hougaard concluded.