Nokwe expects aerial attack
2008-08-07 15:31
Johannesburg - 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 4.62sec, 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.