Rising star Imad Khan embracing the big stage ahead of Stormers' URC quarterfinal

Rising star Imad Khan embracing the big stage ahead of Stormers' URC quarterfinal

With Springbok livewire Cobus Reinach out injured, the door is open for Khan to start once again, as he has in their last two URC matches. Khan's performances - where he's scooped six tries and provided crisp service - have kept the likes of Stefan Ungerer and Dewald Duvenage on the bench this season.

But the rising star is the first to admit he is blessed to be in an environment with so many experienced No.9s around him.

"I try to grab a lot of things from the players around me," the 22-year-old told the press this week.

"Cobus is a world-class player and Stef is also very experienced. With Dewies, I work a lot around the technical side of being a scrumhalf.

"They teach me a lot of things, and we are heading into the playoffs now, so it's about driving the team.

"It's really cool to pick up different things from the world-class players around me. Hopefully, I can continue enjoying my rugby, which takes the pressure off."

Just two seasons ago, Khan was running out for the Junior Boks, where they reached the semifinals of the U20 World Championship. But Saturday will provide Khan with the biggest stage to show his pedigree. Pressure comes with the occasion, but Khan is relishing it.

"It's more of an exciting thing for me and taking the moment in, more than calling it pressure," he continued.

"It is so much fun to be playing with your mates and throwing a ball around. Yes, there is pressure, but I am enjoying it, and that is what is driving me."

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