Uncapped Rudy Paige can’t wait for the first opportunity to pull on the green and gold jersey for the Springboks, writes CRAIG LEWIS in Durban.

Paige was one of the relative Bok bolters when the World Cup squad was unveiled on Friday, and the 26-year-old said it had been an emotional week.

‘I wouldn’t want to say it was a total surprise, the coach did say from the beginning that there was a plan for me, and I’ve been with the squad for a while. But I'm obviously just thrilled with the selection.

‘I had a feeling because I had been training with the team and have been in the mix, although it’s human nature to have some doubts in the back of your head. I couldn’t believe my dream was coming true when Heyneke [Meyer] gave me the news.’

Having enjoyed an impressive Vodacom Super Rugby season with the Bulls, and boasting a strong kicking game that will be well suited to conditions in the northern hemisphere, Paige got the nod as the Boks’ third scrumhalf.

‘I can’t wait to put the green and gold on, it’s going to be a massive honour to get that first cap when the opportunity arrives. It’s going to be a great challenge at the World Cup, and personally I’m just so happy to have been included and to be taking on a challenge I haven’t experienced before.’

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images