As the clock ticks ever closer to the cut-off date, Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has named his preliminary squad for the rapidly approaching Rio Olympics.
Powell’s men have had a productive 2016 campaign, ending in second place in the HSBC World Sevens Series, thanks to a run of consistency, even if they sometimes lacked killer instinct in the key matches.
Among the 19 names that Powell revealed yesterday were 15-man rugby stars Francois Hougaard, Ryan Kankowski, Juan de Jongh and Bryan Habana, all of whom have expressed their desire to be on the flight to Brazil.
The four have played varying roles during the regular season, and it remains a bone of contention in some quarters that they have belatedly become part of the bigger picture.
Powell did fire off a warning to Habana, though, saying his place might be in jeopardy due to his club commitments.
Habana, who is turning out for French powerhouse Toulon, will join the training squad once the Toulon season is over.
This means he will miss the start of the camp.
Understandably, Toulon will not release the contracted Habana, an international icon, early, and this arrangement may well count against him in the final reckoning.
Other names who feature in the squad are newcomers Tim Agaba, Dylan Sage, and Siviwe Soyizwapi, all of whom enjoyed promising breakout seasons on the global circuit.
There have been injuries to several key players.
Powell will be hoping for a smooth few weeks before he has to make the final selection of 12 players.
The Springbok Sevens are regarded as one of South Africa’s strongest medal hopes, given their standing, their experience and that they include among their number a clutch of world-class performers.
They have shown they can beat any outfit on the Sevens circuit on their day.
They also have a Commonwealth title to show for their industry.
The trick for Powell now is to find the balance in just a dozen slots.
This will no doubt break a few hearts at this, the 11th hour.
While those like stalwart Cecil Afrika, 2015 World Sevens Player of the Year Werner Kok and try machine Seabelo Senatla are certainties for the flight to Rio, there is a serious bun fight for the other slots.
Even regular captain Kyle Brown is not guaranteed a place, and the training camp will play a pivotal role in deciding the final squad.
Preliminary squad: Tim Agaba, Chris Dry, Ryan Kankowski, Kwagga Smith, Kyle Brown, Philip Snyman, Dylan Sage, Cheslin Kolbe, Rosko Specman, Branco du Preez, Cecil Afrika, Justin Geduld, Francois Hougaard, Juan de Jongh, Werner Kok, Ruhan Nel, Seabelo Senatla, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Bryan Habana
*Final squad to be named by July 14. - Saturday Star