When baffled members of the coaching staff question him about this, the answer is simple: it’s not due to a lapse in concentration or a case of bad handling. It is because the 16 year-old inside centre is already planning his next attacking move.

Now he can put these attacking strengths to good use…

Nkomo has been selected to attend a two day training camp this week at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport with other members of the South African u/18 sevens team.

The team will compete in the African Youth Games from 20 to 26 May in Botswana.

And what is more, he prefers sevens to the more traditional rugby format. “ Sevens is a more relaxed version and there is more space to attack. It is also a win-win game – there is always a chance of an upset.”

Nkomo forms an exciting centre partnership with Telvin Mhlongo and this year will be the duo’s first taste of the Classic Clashes showpiece match against HTS Middelburg.

“It will be my debut in the first team jersey. It is going to be something else!”

His favourite match thus far has been against Ermelo. Though he did not score any tries, he was still named man of the match – something that attests to his ability to place other players in attacking positions.

• Nkomo will be available for Hoërskool Middelburg’s PUK Super 16 final against Potch Gimmies this weekend.

• Players selected for the training camp: Eduan Keyter, Tiaan Schmulian, PJ Toerien (all Blue Bulls), Tshepiso Mahasha (Limpopo Bulls), Luigy van Jaarsveld (EP), Gerhard Holtzhausen (Griquas), Jacobus Coetzee, Morne Joubert, Xolisa Guma (all Kwazulu-Natal), Willem Massyn (Lions), Cyprian Nkomo (Pumas).