Angelo Davids is excited to make his long-awaited Blitzboks debut at the Hong Kong Sevens this weekend.

Davids has replaced fellow youngster Muller du Plessis as the Blitzboks look to build on their surprise win in Vancouver last month.

The 19-year-old winger was earmarked to play in Hong Kong in 2018 when Blitzboks coach Neil Powell opted for a youthful squad. However, an untimely ankle injury dashed his dreams and he was left watching on TV as the team went on to finish third.

‘I missed out and it hurt, but since then I have been dreaming of my next opportunity,’ Davids said. ‘I did not quite expect the call-up to Hong Kong, especially since the guys did so well in Vancouver.’

Davids says he has learned a lot from former Blitzboks Seabelo Senatla and Rosko Specman and also been keeping an eye on stand-in captain Siviwe Soyizwapi during training.

‘If I can contribute the way they did, with their speed and feet, I will be very happy. In the end, though, I need to be Angelo Davids, not a copy of someone else. I’m very keen to go out and contribute.’

Photo: David van der Sandt