SPRINGBOKS sevens coach Neil Powell says that the injury withdrawals of Cecil Afrika and Werner Kok have presented Cheslin Kolbe with a chance to shine.

The Stormers dynamo seldom needs a second invitation to take the gap.

The Blitzboks will be at Cape Town Stadium this weekend to contest the second tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series.

“Seeing that Cecil is not there, it’s an opportunity for Cheslin to step up and take the lead, and the responsibility, for being the playmaker and decision-maker in the team,” Powell said yesterday.

“Justin Geduld and Rosco Speckman can also do that, and I think all three will definitely make the step up.”

Afrika (hamstring) and Kok (knee) have had to step out of selection contention this week.

Powell confirmed that the former is only expected to miss the Cape Town leg of the season, but Kok is set for a longer spell on the sidelines.

“We should have Cecil back (for the third leg in New Zealand on January 30) next year, but Werner picked up a knee injury in Dubai (last week) and he’s going to be out for a while.

“He’s going in for his operation on Thursday and after that we’ll be able to establish how long he’ll be out for.

“We’ve lost a lot of experience there,” Powell added, noting that Kok was last season’s World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, and Afrika previously held that title in 2011.

Sevens rookie Dylan Sage and Speckman were expected to represent the two changes to the 12-man Blitzbok squad set to be announced.