South Africa Sevens coach Paul Treu has recalled Howard Noble to the Springbok squad for the third and fourth rounds of the IRB Sevens World Series, the NZI Sevens in Wellington and the USA Sevens in San Diego.
Noble has recovered from injury and replaces Mlindazwe Nqoro in Treu's outfit, which leads the Series standings with a maximum 40 points from second-placed New Zealand, the defending champions.
Already one of the fastest teams on show at the end of 2008, South Africa will further benefit from the inclusion of Noble, a renowned speedster.
Nqoro made his international Sevens debut in the George leg of the series as a replacement for the injured Marius Schoeman and is one of six young players on standby.
The rest of the 12-man squad is unchanged from the second leg of the World Series in George, where South Africa finally won their home event at the 10th time of asking.
Both Schoeman and regular team captain Neil Powell remain on the injury list and unavailable to Treu for these two final tournaments before the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai on 5-7 March.
The Wellington event takes place on 5-6 February and the Springboks face a tough pool challenge on day one with matches against fellow Africans Kenya, Series regulars Scotland and ever dangerous Tonga, who reached the Cup semi final stage last year.
The USA Sevens takes place in San Diego a week later and South Africa are drawn against the hosts USA, Canada and Australia.
SA Sevens Squad: Mpho Mbiyozo (SA Sevens contracted), Robert Ebersohn (SA Sevens), Frankie Horne (SA Sevens), Vuyo Zangqa (SA Sevens), Philip Snyman (Free State), Kyle Brown (WP), Renfred Dazel (SA Sevens), Ryno Benjamin (SA Sevens), Paul Delport (SA Sevens), Mzwandile Stick (SA Sevens), Howard Noble (Free State), Gio Aplon (SA Sevens).
Players on standby: Mlindazwe Nqoro (Sharks), Chase Minnaar (SA Sevens), Lionel Mapoe (Free State), Cecil Afrika (Griffons), Tyrone Holmes (Hamiltons RFC), Neil Papier (Boland).
