Springbok offcuts set sights on Olympics

10 November 2015 - 02:02 By Craig Ray

Springbok discards Cornal Hendricks and Teboho Mohoje are determined to put the disappointment of missing out on World Cup selection behind them by making the national Sevens team to the Olympic Games in Rio next year. Both were unlucky to miss out on the recent Rugby World Cup and, though they still bear the scars of that disappointment, there is also a steely determination not to look back.They will spend the next three weeks training with the Blitz Boks before the first two tournaments of the 2015-2016 Sevens World Series in Dubai and Cape Town.The duo featured prominently for the Springboks last year, with Hendricks playing 11 of his 12 Tests and Mohoje seven of his eight.But after missing out on the World Cup they have set their sights on rugby's historic return to the Olympic Games after an absence of 92 years."It was tough not making the World Cup, but you have to move forward," said Hendricks, who will turn out for the Stormers next year."Fortunately, there is a lot to look forward to, especially with the Olympics coming up."Mohoje, who as an athletic flank, will add bulk as well as speed to the Blitz boks, was philosophical about the situation."Missing the World Cup was massively disappointing but the coach could take only so many players to England," Mohoje said."So I just have to work hard now for the Sevens and into Super rugby. This is a brand-new challenge and going to the Olympics won't make up for missing the World Cup because they are different."What happened in the past has happened and I need to get over it as quickly as possible."..

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