Sandile Ngcobo has joined the Blitzboks as the reserve player for this weekend's Vancouver Sevens following an injury to key playmaker Justin Geduld.

Geduld picked up an ankle injury last weekend in Las Vegas, and has been ruled out of the Vancouver tournament, the sixth of 10 in the World Rugby Sevens Series. The Blitzboks currently have a 24-point lead at the top of the standings.

Stedman Gans, who travelled to the USA as back-up, replaced Geduld on the third day of the Las Vegas Sevens and will continue in this role for the Canada event. Ngcobo will take over the 'Player 13' role from Gans.

Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell said he felt for Geduld, but highlighted the fact that the Blitzboks had already proven their ability to cope with player absences this season.

'We had our share of injuries already this year. We lost Tim Agaba and Carel du Preez in a pre-season tournament, then Kyle Brown in Cape Town and Cecil Afrika before travelling to Wellington and Sydney.

'Werner Kok could also not play on the second day in Australia and now Justin has to return home. On top of that, Seabelo Senatla and Kwagga Smith moved to the Super Rugby competition, so our depth has been tested, but on the plus side, every injury creates an opportunity for another player to show his worth.'

WATCH: Highlights of Las Vegas Sevens (Day 3)

Photo: Renee McKay/Gallo Images