It is almost a case of second chances for Springbok Sevens wing Sebastiaan Jobb, and he is determined to make the second stint in his HSBC SVNS career more memorable than the first, all of two years ago.
The 25-year-old former Junior Springbok suffered a range of injuries over the last 24 months after making his debut for the Blitzboks in 2023 and this time around, Jobb hopes to put a real mark on it.
“It was close to two years, but now I am getting ready to embrace this second chance,” said Jobb after the Blitzboks arrived in Vancouver for the weekend’s tournament, the fourth of the 2025 World Series.
“I was frustrated at times, as it felt that I was never going to give myself that opportunity to play for the team again. It took so long, hence I cannot wait, to be honest.”
Jobb feels fit and fast again and is keen to contribute to the team he so dearly loves to represent.
'DESPERATE TO GET BACK'
“I was desperate to get back, as those two tournaments were not how I wanted to remember my contribution towards the Blitzbok jersey,” the former Vodacom Bulls age-group player said.
“This time around I want to make the best of the opportunity. The team expect of me to score tries and I have my eye on a couple of those
“We really want to leave the jersey in a better place and I have this opportunity now to work towards that.”
Playmaker Tristan Leyds is eqally pumped to be back in action for the Blitzboks after missing out on the previous tournament in Perth due to injury.
“It is never nice to miss out on a tournament especially when the guys do well,” said Leyds from Vancouver.
“We had one or two small mishaps in Perth when we lost concentration at crucial times, but we worked on those and will be ready in Vancouver.”
Leyds said they cannot wait to play this weekend: “The competition in the squad is great and that helps a lot to keep up on our toes.
“There are guys back home that are working hard to get a chance and those here need to make the most of this opportunity. That also creates a nice team environment, as everybody wants the team to be the best it can be.”
Leyds complimented the team culture and said it is great to be part of the Blitzbok set-up.
“That is a general feeling among the players, we are really a close group of guys who want to do the best for the team,” he said. “Hopefully we can deliver the good for all our supporters and the people back home.”