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"title": "Rosko Specman’s return to Sevens is a boost on and off the field as he mentors next generation",
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"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having spent the past five years representing nearly every rugby union in South Africa, the flying</span><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-16-rosko-specman-enjoying-the-journey-but-sevens-is-calling-next-season/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rosko Specman</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has decided to head back to the version of the game that made him an international star – Sevens.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But this time it’s a bit different for the 34-year-old. He’s not the new kid on the block any more; he’s the most senior member of a young side.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specman has embraced his role and sees himself as a mentor to those coming through the Sevens doors.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quewin Nortje, who represented the Junior Springboks during their bronze-place showing at the Under-2o Championship this year, is one of those Specman has taken under his wing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“My way of looking at Sevens has changed. I’m more of a mentor for the younger players,” Specman said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“[Nortje] is very young, he’s just left school, so I’m there to help him.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I just want to make sure that when I leave that jersey, it’s in a good space for him to continue forward … that’s my role.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both players have been selected for the Blitzboks’ first series of the year in Dubai this weekend. It will be the first time in nearly five years that Specman dons the green Blitzbok jersey, while it will be the first time for Nortje.</span>\r\n<blockquote>It was a little bit tough in the beginning but now the body’s ready and now it’s just time for Specmagic, baby.</blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Blitzboks had a slow start under the tutelage of coach Sandile Ngcobo last season – in his first season in charge since Neil Powell took up the role of director of rugby at the Sharks – finishing seventh overall on the overall Sevens Series standings last season.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the side has a terrific record in Dubai, having claimed gold medals on 10 occasions – four more than anyone else.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“There are many South Africa supporters there which makes it feel like a home tournament,” Specman said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“It’s also the first tournament of the season so everyone’s energy is there and it’s an opportunity to stay in the team because the following weekend is Cape Town [Sevens].”</span>\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-11-28-rosko-specmans-return-to-sevens-a-boost-on-and-off-field/springbok-mens-sevens-training-session/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1956483\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1956483\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TL_2134127.jpg\" alt=\"Rosko Specman\" width=\"720\" height=\"559\" /></a> <em>Rosko Specman during the national Sevens team training session at Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch on 21 November 2023. (Photo: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images)</em></p>\r\n<h4><b>Getting in shape</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite having played more than 150 matches and 30 tournaments, and having scored 76 tries for the Springbok Sevens, getting back into Sevens shape took more than a month for the speedster.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“The adjustment for me in the first month was tough,” Specman said. “From 15s to Sevens, I had to shape my body.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Here my body must be good so that it can move. In 15s it’s okay because your body can rest.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“So far I’ve learnt a lot and the more I can learn, the more I can get better. It was a little bit tough in the beginning but now the body’s ready and now it’s just time for Specmagic, baby.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1956480\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TL_2008675.jpg\" alt=\"Rosko Specman\" width=\"720\" height=\"650\" /> <em>Rosko Specman of the Griquas during a Currie Cup match against the Pumas at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on 24 March 2023. (Photo: Dirk Kotze / Gallo Images)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I’m older but I still feel like I can do the thing. While I can still do the thing, I’m still enjoying rugby, and what an honour it is to be back.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ngcobo explained to </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that in Sevens athletes need to be a lot leaner than in 15s in order to excel.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We’re really happy to have him fit. We had to get him fit again,” Ngcobo said. “There’s a massive difference between Sevens conditioning and 15s conditioning. It takes quite some time [to get someone fit].</span>\r\n<blockquote>He’s an incredible finisher, he’s a utility player. For us he will play wing and playmaker.</blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“You traditionally gain a lot of weight and put on muscle mass to tackle bigger guys [in 15s].</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“It’s a different sport, slightly slower and more physically demanding [whereas] in Sevens you need to be sharp, you need to be on your toes and you need to be a little bit leaner than what you would be in 15s.</span>\r\n\r\n<b>Read more in Daily Maverick: </b><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-16-rosko-specman-enjoying-the-journey-but-sevens-is-calling-next-season/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rosko Specman enjoying the journey but Sevens is calling next season</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“From a conditioning point of view we had to get [Specman] confident, fast and sharp again.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“That’s what’s required from the type of player he is and his role in the team.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ngcobo also acknowledged the X-factor that Specman brings to a team that lacked game-breakers last season.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Rosko is a game-changer,” the coach said. “Not only does he know what we’re about as a system, where we’re trying to go, but Rosko is also the spice in any team that he enters.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“He’s an incredible finisher, he’s a utility player. For us he will play wing and playmaker.” </span><b>DM</b>",
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"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having spent the past five years representing nearly every rugby union in South Africa, the flying</span><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-16-rosko-specman-enjoying-the-journey-but-sevens-is-calling-next-season/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rosko Specman</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has decided to head back to the version of the game that made him an international star – Sevens.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But this time it’s a bit different for the 34-year-old. He’s not the new kid on the block any more; he’s the most senior member of a young side.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specman has embraced his role and sees himself as a mentor to those coming through the Sevens doors.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quewin Nortje, who represented the Junior Springboks during their bronze-place showing at the Under-2o Championship this year, is one of those Specman has taken under his wing.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“My way of looking at Sevens has changed. I’m more of a mentor for the younger players,” Specman said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“[Nortje] is very young, he’s just left school, so I’m there to help him.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I just want to make sure that when I leave that jersey, it’s in a good space for him to continue forward … that’s my role.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both players have been selected for the Blitzboks’ first series of the year in Dubai this weekend. It will be the first time in nearly five years that Specman dons the green Blitzbok jersey, while it will be the first time for Nortje.</span>\r\n<blockquote>It was a little bit tough in the beginning but now the body’s ready and now it’s just time for Specmagic, baby.</blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Blitzboks had a slow start under the tutelage of coach Sandile Ngcobo last season – in his first season in charge since Neil Powell took up the role of director of rugby at the Sharks – finishing seventh overall on the overall Sevens Series standings last season.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the side has a terrific record in Dubai, having claimed gold medals on 10 occasions – four more than anyone else.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“There are many South Africa supporters there which makes it feel like a home tournament,” Specman said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“It’s also the first tournament of the season so everyone’s energy is there and it’s an opportunity to stay in the team because the following weekend is Cape Town [Sevens].”</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1956483\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-11-28-rosko-specmans-return-to-sevens-a-boost-on-and-off-field/springbok-mens-sevens-training-session/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1956483\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-1956483\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TL_2134127.jpg\" alt=\"Rosko Specman\" width=\"720\" height=\"559\" /></a> <em>Rosko Specman during the national Sevens team training session at Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch on 21 November 2023. (Photo: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n<h4><b>Getting in shape</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite having played more than 150 matches and 30 tournaments, and having scored 76 tries for the Springbok Sevens, getting back into Sevens shape took more than a month for the speedster.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“The adjustment for me in the first month was tough,” Specman said. “From 15s to Sevens, I had to shape my body.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Here my body must be good so that it can move. In 15s it’s okay because your body can rest.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“So far I’ve learnt a lot and the more I can learn, the more I can get better. It was a little bit tough in the beginning but now the body’s ready and now it’s just time for Specmagic, baby.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1956480\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1956480\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TL_2008675.jpg\" alt=\"Rosko Specman\" width=\"720\" height=\"650\" /> <em>Rosko Specman of the Griquas during a Currie Cup match against the Pumas at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on 24 March 2023. (Photo: Dirk Kotze / Gallo Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I’m older but I still feel like I can do the thing. While I can still do the thing, I’m still enjoying rugby, and what an honour it is to be back.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ngcobo explained to </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that in Sevens athletes need to be a lot leaner than in 15s in order to excel.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We’re really happy to have him fit. We had to get him fit again,” Ngcobo said. “There’s a massive difference between Sevens conditioning and 15s conditioning. It takes quite some time [to get someone fit].</span>\r\n<blockquote>He’s an incredible finisher, he’s a utility player. For us he will play wing and playmaker.</blockquote>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“You traditionally gain a lot of weight and put on muscle mass to tackle bigger guys [in 15s].</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“It’s a different sport, slightly slower and more physically demanding [whereas] in Sevens you need to be sharp, you need to be on your toes and you need to be a little bit leaner than what you would be in 15s.</span>\r\n\r\n<b>Read more in Daily Maverick: </b><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-16-rosko-specman-enjoying-the-journey-but-sevens-is-calling-next-season/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rosko Specman enjoying the journey but Sevens is calling next season</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“From a conditioning point of view we had to get [Specman] confident, fast and sharp again.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“That’s what’s required from the type of player he is and his role in the team.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ngcobo also acknowledged the X-factor that Specman brings to a team that lacked game-breakers last season.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Rosko is a game-changer,” the coach said. “Not only does he know what we’re about as a system, where we’re trying to go, but Rosko is also the spice in any team that he enters.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“He’s an incredible finisher, he’s a utility player. For us he will play wing and playmaker.” </span><b>DM</b>",
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"summary": "Specman will play his 31st World Series tournament this weekend in Dubai as he picks up his Sevens career after a five-year hiatus in the 15s wilderness.",
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Rosko Specman during the national Sevens team training session at Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch on 21 November 2023. (Photo: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images)
Rosko Specman of the Griquas during a Currie Cup match against the Pumas at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on 24 March 2023. (Photo: Dirk Kotze / Gallo Images)