VIDEO: Exciting times for Speckmagic
WATCH as Rosko Shane Specman speaks about the next chapter in his illustrious career, which has seen him win back-to-back Sevens World Series titles.
The 29-year-old, who has 70 first-class games in the 15-a-side code to go with his 150 Sevens caps, is one of several exciting Sevens players in the Bulls squad for 2018.
Stedman Gans and Dylan Sage are also regulars from the abbreviated form of the game that are currently listed in the Bulls’ wider Super Rugby squad.
However, Specman, or Speckmagic as the fleet-foot playmaker is known on the Sevens circuit, is the player many pundits expect to be the key for the Bulls in 2019.
He said he has settled in at his new surroundings in Pretoria.
“There are exciting times ahead,” said Specman, sporting blue and white dreadlocks to symbolise his loyalty to the Pretoria franchise.
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He admitted that he will have to raise his game significantly.
“When you do stuff like this, people will recognise you,” he said, adding: “You must make sure you don’t make a lot of mistakes, because they will say: ‘It is that kid with that funny hairstyle’.”
He said moving fro Sevens to 15-man code was not a tough transition, as he has flirted with both codes since 2013.
“Before I played Sevens, I was at the Pumas [45 games between 2013 and 2015] and there I realised I can cope in the 15-a-side game,” Specman said.
“After 2014 I decided to sharpen my skills in Sevens and in Sevens I achieved my goals.
“This is a new chapter in my career.
“What I can do in Sevens, I can also do in the 15-a-side game.
“Last year I played 15-a-side for the Cheetahs and showed I can play both codes.”
There will be stiff competition at the Bulls – with quality wings like Cornal Hendricks, Travis Ismaiel, Duncan Matthews and Jade Stighling.
“That’s what makes it exciting,” he said, adding: “Just as it was at the Sevens, you are never assured of your place.
“When the competition is tough, it brings the best out of me.”
@rugby365com
