Blitzboks must be patient without Geduld

The Springbok Sevens team will be without playmaker Justin Geduld (left) for the next two tournaments in the World Rugby Sevens Series, in Las Vegas and Vancouver.

Geduld, who was the leading points’ scorer at the Sydney Sevens three weeks ago, fractured his jaw the following week in Hamilton and will be out of action for approximately six weeks.

The Blitzboks assembled at their Stellenbosch training base yesterday to begin preparations for the Las Vegas and Vancouver tournaments.

Geduld joins a number of players who are not available for the tournaments. Coach Neil Powell has also lost the services of Seabelo Senatla, Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Lions) and Tim Agaba (Bulls) to their Super Rugby franchises.

Senatla (150 points, 30 tries) and Geduld (110 points, eight tries and 35 conversions) have been very influential in the points’ scoring stakes. The Springbok Sevens not only top the World Series log, they are also the leading points’ scorers after four rounds of the World Series.

“We knew that we were losing those four players to Vodacom Super Rugby, so it is not ideal that we are travelling without Justin too,” said Powell. “Justin has been in great form this season, and if you add Chris Dry (knee injury), who we have also lost for the season, the depth of our squad will be tested.”