The rise of Manie Libbok to the Springbok squad has inspired DHL Stormers teammate Clayton Blommetjies to walk back his comments about playing for South Africa.

Blommetjies has made a significant impact for the Stormers since joining the Vodacom United Rugby Championship holders from the Free State Cheetahs in the off-season.

The 32-year-old fullback hopes to follow in the footsteps of Libbok, 25, who will make his third Test appearance if he comes off the bench against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

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In an interview with Wales Online in 2018, after linking up with Scarlets on a brief stint from the Cheetahs, Blommetjies infamously said he wanted to play for the Wales national team as he felt he was snubbed by the Bok selectors.

“I don’t even think about wearing the green and gold anymore…” he was quoted at the time, also claiming that then-Bok coach Allister Coetzee only picked his “favourites”.

Speaking at a Stormers media conference in the build up to a URC clash against Scarlets in Cape Town on Friday, Blommetjies has admitted his comments were rash.

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He said: “It’s everyone’s dream to wear the green and gold and sometimes you make mistakes. But you learn from it.

“I am one of those guys who made a mistake when I was younger and said stuff, but the older you get the wiser you get.

“For me, it’s just about getting better and to do everything the coaches ask of me. If I can do that well, my chances of wearing the green and gold someday is good.

“To be honest, I am very happy for Manie – he is one of my big pals at the Stormers.”

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Photo: @Springboks/Twitter