Hell‚ many boldly suggested‚ would freeze over before Heinrich Brüssow would be welcomed back in from the cold with Heyneke Meyer still at the helm of Springbok rugby.
Brüssow is back in the fold but whether the mercury is dropping in Lucifer’s Lair is less apparent.
What we can say for sure‚ however‚ is that those who made those predictions will see Meyer’s inclusion of the Cheetahs’ flanker for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park as a massive about-turn.
After all‚ Brüssow last played for the Springboks in that ill- fated World Cup quarterfinal against the Wallabies in 2011. In that time Meyer cheerily espoused the virtues of heavier ball carriers in the backrow.
So what has changed?
Meyer contends that Brüssow had never been out of the reckoning and would have been part of his squad sooner had injury not played its cruel hand.
Injuries among the loose forwards have opened the door‚ but‚ it has to be noted in the case of Brüssow‚ Meyer eschewed to the opportunity to make a like-for-like replacement.
If nothing else‚ Brüssow could bring with him a dollop of good fortune having yet to lose a Test to the All Blacks after four starts.
“There was a lot of speculation in the media that there was bad blood between us. That is not true‚” said Meyer.
“I told him exactly what he needed to work on to get back into the fold. He had two bad injuries and I thought he had to work on his pace. He probably tried to get too big and gained a lot of weight. Since then he lost eight kilograms and got his speed back. He is also able to secure the ball at the breakdown.”
Brüssow sees his four years away from the national team not so much as time spent in the wilderness as an opportunity to refine and sharpen his game in Japan.
“I worked on being more clinical. The laws changed a bit. I wanted a bit of a different experience and went to Japan. I saw new stuff. I developed as a player.
“The game there is quicker and I had to adapt. I started enjoying it after a few years. You have less time and you have to make better decisions.
“I picked up more experience and I think I make better decisions. I choose my rucks better. I’’m more skilful and older‚” said the 29-year-old.
His lack of recent game time does not bother the fetcher who last played against the Reds on April 18.
“I’ve played some of my best game coming back from injury‚” he said reassuringly.
He left the field injured in his last Test as the Boks went on to lose to the Wallabies. He felt he had unfinished business.
“I was always hopeful. I had a good rest from international rugby. Coming back against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in front of a sell-out crowd — you can’t ask for more.”
Meyer denies ‘bad blood’ between Brüssow and him
Hell‚ many boldly suggested‚ would freeze over before Heinrich Brüssow would be welcomed back in from the cold with Heyneke Meyer still at the helm of Springbok rugby.
Brüssow is back in the fold but whether the mercury is dropping in Lucifer’s Lair is less apparent.
What we can say for sure‚ however‚ is that those who made those predictions will see Meyer’s inclusion of the Cheetahs’ flanker for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park as a massive about-turn.
After all‚ Brüssow last played for the Springboks in that ill- fated World Cup quarterfinal against the Wallabies in 2011. In that time Meyer cheerily espoused the virtues of heavier ball carriers in the backrow.
So what has changed?
Meyer contends that Brüssow had never been out of the reckoning and would have been part of his squad sooner had injury not played its cruel hand.
Injuries among the loose forwards have opened the door‚ but‚ it has to be noted in the case of Brüssow‚ Meyer eschewed to the opportunity to make a like-for-like replacement.
If nothing else‚ Brüssow could bring with him a dollop of good fortune having yet to lose a Test to the All Blacks after four starts.
“There was a lot of speculation in the media that there was bad blood between us. That is not true‚” said Meyer.
“I told him exactly what he needed to work on to get back into the fold. He had two bad injuries and I thought he had to work on his pace. He probably tried to get too big and gained a lot of weight. Since then he lost eight kilograms and got his speed back. He is also able to secure the ball at the breakdown.”
Brüssow sees his four years away from the national team not so much as time spent in the wilderness as an opportunity to refine and sharpen his game in Japan.
“I worked on being more clinical. The laws changed a bit. I wanted a bit of a different experience and went to Japan. I saw new stuff. I developed as a player.
“The game there is quicker and I had to adapt. I started enjoying it after a few years. You have less time and you have to make better decisions.
“I picked up more experience and I think I make better decisions. I choose my rucks better. I’’m more skilful and older‚” said the 29-year-old.
His lack of recent game time does not bother the fetcher who last played against the Reds on April 18.
“I’ve played some of my best game coming back from injury‚” he said reassuringly.
He left the field injured in his last Test as the Boks went on to lose to the Wallabies. He felt he had unfinished business.
“I was always hopeful. I had a good rest from international rugby. Coming back against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in front of a sell-out crowd — you can’t ask for more.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos