Domestic side swoop for 1-cap Bok winger Specman

Griquas have managed to lure one of the Cheetahs’ biggest diamonds to Kimberley. Griquas coach Pieter Bergh confirmed on Thursday that Rosko Specman will start in the diamond capital on November 1 on a one-year contract.

“We have lost loads of quality players to the Cheetahs in the last few years,” Bergh said in reference to players like current Cheetahs captain Victor Sekekete and others who will feature in Friday’s Challenge Series clash in Bloemfontein.

Other well-known players who moved from Kimberley to Bloemfontein include Daniel Kasende, Gideon van der Merwe, Munier Hartzenberg, Sibabalo Qoma, Mzwanele Zito and Chris Smit.

“For us to lure a player of the quality of Rosko [Specman] – a player the Cheetahs wanted to retain – is massive for us,” the coach said.

“He feels he can contribute to Griquas.

“We also want to lure high-quality players to Kimberley and retain our own players.”

Bergh added that Specman is the type of player that will get spectators through the turnstiles.

“His nickname is not ‘SpecMagic’ for nothing,” the coach said, adding: “He can do things on the field that other players can’t.

“That is the X-factor and speed we want in our backline.

“He is a Springbok and a Sevens legend.

“This shows we are on the right track, being able to lure a player of his standing to Kimberley – despite not playing in a European competition.”

Since 2010 Specman has played for the Sharks, Pumas, Bulls and Cheetahs. Specman even had a brief ‘loan stint’ with the Stormers.

However, it is the 33-year-old’s exploits with the national Sevens team that earned him the legendary nickname of SpecMagic.

He made 150-odd appearances for the BlitzBoks and his only Test cap (in the 15-man code) was against Georgia at Loftus Versfeld in July 2021.