Haashim Pead has set his sights on becoming South Africa’s next attacking spark at No 9.
With a wealth of talent already in the position, the rising Lions star is clear on the type of player he wants to become.
“I have always felt I was going to be the scrumhalf that brings the attacking flair and attacking rugby,” he told News24.
South Africa’s current crop offers a mix of profiles, from the physical edge of Faf de Klerk and Morné van den Berg to the game management of Jaden Hendrikse, and the attacking instincts of Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams and Embrose Papier.
Pead wants to blend both worlds.
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“When you come out of school, you realise that coaches don’t want you to always run everything, you have to learn how to manage the game and to kick,” he said.
“The likes of Embrose, Grant and Cobus … I want to be more like them; to bring that speed and attacking flair to the team, but then, when it’s time to manage the game when the team is under pressure or when the weather conditions require it, to be able to play accordingly.”
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The youngster has already caught the attention of Rassie Erasmus, with recent Springbok training and alignment camps offering a glimpse into the next level.
“It’s something that definitely keeps a young guy motivated. Getting invited to the Springboks came two years after leaving school and was an eye-opener,” said Pead.
“It was an eye-opener to say maybe I’m not as far as I thought I was from making the Springboks.”
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
The post Pead targets Bok jersey with attacking blueprint appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
