New South Africa cap Jongikhaya Nokwe is expecting an aerial bombardment from Argentina in Saturday’s Mandela Tribute Test.
Nokwe has replaced Bryan Habana, who is shaking off the effects of a shoulder injury, on the wing in the world champion’s starting lineup.
”It is huge pressure to replace Bryan and Argentina will see the new guy on the wing and will try to test me with kicks. But the last couple of years, I’ve been working on the high ball and my kicking, so I’m ready,” Nokwe told reporters.
”Other people might be comparing me to Bryan on Saturday, but I’m just going to concentrate on playing my normal game.”
Nokwe (26) toured Britain, Ireland and Argentina with the Springboks in 2004 but did not play a game. He came on as a replacement against a World XV for a South African XV at Twickenham in 2006 but it did not count as a Springbok cap.
”I’ve been coming close to getting my cap since 2004 but unfortunately I didn’t quite make it. But Saturday is my chance and I’ll finally be able to wear the blazer,” Nokwe said.
Nokwe, who can run 40m in 4,62 seconds, is enjoying a renaissance in his career after moving from Boland, in the south-western Cape, to Free State, representing the Cheetahs in the Super 14. He finished as the second leading try-scorer in the competition even though his team won just one match.
”The confidence I got from the Super 14 is going to help me a lot. I played good rugby then and I believe I can do the same thing on Saturday,” Nokwe said. – Reuters