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Wings: Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Jongi Nokwe, Breyton Paulse, Ashwin Willemse
Required skills: Wings are usually the fastest sprinters on the team, but, in addition to their attack role as principle try-scorers, their work includes helping the fullback with defence. Wings should also have the confidence and co-ordination to catch a high ball. Confidence, quick reflexes and speed must be tempered with good judgement, however – as to when to make a solo break for the try line, and when to utilise team-mates’ support.
Required fitness level: Wings should be able to run the 10 metres in at least 1.65 seconds, and the 40 metres in 5.10 seconds, handle 130kg in the bench press and 160kg in the squat, and manage a vertical jump of 68cm. They should have no more than 9% body fat.
Injuries to watch out for: Backs are vulnerable to leg injuries as a result of running, swerving and side-stepping at speed, particularly torn tendons and ligaments of the ankle and knee. Injuries from being tackled hard at speed include fractures and sometimes concussion. Neck, shoulder, back and trunk injuries may also occur.
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