Cecil Afrika and Mfundo Ndhlovu have been recalled to the Blitzboks’ squad as injury replacements for Kurt-Lee Arendse and Stedman Gans.

Arendse suffered a concussion and Gans sustained a hand injury in London this past weekend, and both have been ruled out of the Paris Sevens, with Afrika and Ndhlovu set to take their places.

The last of Ndlovu’s three tournaments for the Blitzboks was in Las Vegas in March, where he picked up a wrist injury, while Afrika injured his hamstring a year ago in London, thus making this his first appearance in the 2018-2019 series following a long rehabilitation period.

Coach Neil Powell says that while it’s never nice to lose players to injury, he is pleased to welcome Afrika and Ndlovu back in the mix.

‘Yes, both our injured players play in the same position, with Stedman covering for us at flyhalf as well, so it was a bit of a problem,’ Powell lamented.

‘But I am happy to be able to bring someone with Cecil’s experience into the team. I am very happy for Cecil, who came back from a long-term injury, and I’m pleased that we can give him an opportunity before the season ends.

‘Mfundo has shown in the past that he can play at this level. This is also a great opportunity for him to gain more experience. He was probably a bit unlucky to miss out on selection in the first place.’

Photo: @Blitzboks/Twitter