Sevens legend Specman says WP should embrace Green Point move: 'They won't regret it'

• He might be turning out for the Cheetahs, but Rosko Specman's vast experience of playing at Cape Town Stadium means he's very excited about Western Province making it their new home.
• The Blitzboks legend inaugurated the Capetonians new chapter in Green Point with a hat-trick on the opening weekend of the preparation series.
• Specman understands that Newlands holds sentimental value to many WP stakeholders, but believes once fans are back, everyone will feel right at home.

Cheetahs flyer and Blitzboks legend Rosko Specman has given his beloved Cape Town Stadium the thumbs-up as the Stormers' new home.

The 31-year-old winger inaugurated the Capetonians' move to the new venue a fortnight ago with a hat-trick in a 34-33 victory for the central franchise over their hosts.

Having also made numerous appearances for the national sevens side at the Cape Town Sevens means he's intimately familiar with that blade of grass situated in Green Point.

You thus won't find Specman having the same reservations over the move as some of Western Province's clubs, who reportedly expressed doubts over the final agreement during last week's special meeting. 

"I told my Cheetahs team-mates before the game that they need not be worried about the occasion. The Cape Town Stadium is like a home-ground for me," Specman told Sport24 with a chuckle.

"I understand that pitch. I told them it will seem as if I'm back playing for the Blitzboks. So I just went out and enjoyed myself. 

"Granted, the game started a bit slowly, but I'd like to believe that the team and I atoned for it as time went on."

While Specman acknowledges that the issue shouldn't be underplayed, particularly because of Newlands' rich history and Western Province's traditionally substantial attendance figures, he has no doubt that the union can usher in a new era at a new home that creates countless great memories.

"I won't lie to you, I believe Province have a fantastic new home-ground," he said.

"Those facilities are world-class. The union just has to make the best of it. I also believe that they just need to be patient for crowds to return. 

"Once the fans are in, it will be a wonderful atmosphere and that will make the Province players feel at home."

Despite boasting a capacity of roughly 3 000 more seats than Newlands' 51 900, the Cape Town Stadium has the advantage of being purposely built to encourage a more intimate watching experience.

"You're definitely not far from the field of play as a spectator," said Specman.

"I've experienced it myself. Even people sitting at the corners of the stadium, where it's a bit higher, is still very accessible. You can see everything.

"Everyone will enjoy playing and watching rugby there. It's a fast pitch too, so I think we're going to see some nice tries in future, especially with some of those quick players that Province possess." 

Catch the first of a wide-ranging interview with Cheetahs playmaker and Blitzboks legend Rosko Specman on Thursday.