Johannesburg – The Springbok Sevens have made three changes to their squad for the next two rounds of the Sevens World Series in Dubai and Port Elizabeth.
Blitzbokke playmaker Cecil Afrika has not yet recovered from the niggling knee injury he sustained at the season-opening Gold Coast Sevens and was not considered for selection.
Afrika was replaced by debutante Kevin Luiters, 20-year old Free State Cheetahs scrumhalf.
Philip Snyman, the Cheetahs outside back who recently re-joined the Springbok Sevens on a two-year contract, returns in place of Ruwellyn Isbell while Holden Lions loose forward Warren Whiteley gets his first outing in place of Reuben Johannes.
Johannes and Isbell both had their first taste of World Series action at the Gold Coast, where the Springbok Sevens finished third.
Robert Ebersohn was not considered for selection due to a hamstring injury.
“It is obviously disappointing not to have Cecil fit for Dubai. Unfortunately, he has not recovered fully and we will not take any chances,” said coach Paul Treu.
“Philip and Warren are big boys and both are eager to play for the Springbok Sevens. They have fitted in nicely during our training sessions and I am looking forward to see them in action.”
South Africa shared a tough pool with crowd favourites England, Samoa and the ever-improving Portugal.
The Dubai Sevens takes place on November 30 and December 1, followed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens in Port Elizabeth on December 8 and 9.
Springboks Sevens squad: Chris Dry, Philip Snyman, Frankie Horne, Warren Whiteley, Cornal Hendricks, Kyle Brown (captain), Branco du Preez, Stephan Dippenaar, Paul Delport, Kevin Luiters, Tshotsho Mbovane, Steven Hunt. – Sapa