The Springboks are set to usher in a new era with the introduction of new faces in the European end-year tour.
The newcomers believe this is their time to shine and they intend to grab the opportunities that come their way with both hands in the matches against the Barbarians in London next week‚ and in the three tests against England‚ Italy and Wales.
Allister Coetzee gathered his troops in Johannesburg this week and in the squad of 30 that departs for the United Kingdom on Friday night‚ the Springbok coach is without a number of his senior charges who ply their trade overseas.
He has been working with 12 young players and the exciting loose trio of Uzair Cassiem‚ Roelof Smit and Jean-Luc du Preez are among them.
The newcomers have all expressed excitement at being included in the national squad for the first time.
Du Preez‚ the son of former Bok Robert du Preez‚ said while his father is proud of his call-up to the Springbok side and there may be pressure that comes with being the offspring of a legendary Bok‚ it is time for him to make his own mark.
“He (Robert) is really proud‚ like any other parent would be happy for their child‚” said the 21-year-old Du Preez.
“Look‚ he is critical at times. Look‚ my dad played and that is in the past now. I’d like to think that it is my time now.”
The incoming loose trio could have an opportunity to don the green and gold jersey next week against the Barbarians following good seasons for their provincial sides in the Currie Cup and in Super Rugby.
Du Preez starred for the Sharks‚ Smit for the Bulls and Cassiem‚ who was named man-of-the-match in the Currie Cup final‚ for the Cheetahs.
The 26-year-old Cassiem has been a standout performer this season and the most influential Cheetahs player in the side’s road to Currie Cup success.
The mobile flanker credits his teammates at his provincial side for his good form.
“I need to give credit to the whole (Cheetahs) squad of 45 players‚” he said.
“Without them‚ I wouldn’t even be sitting here. I say 45 players because there are some whom people will not see‚ but every week they are behind the scenes‚ at practices. All credit goes to them.”
The newbies have settled in very well in the Bok set up and they are determined to ensure a good finish to an otherwise substandard year.
“It is a big honour and privilege to be here‚” said Smit‚ who is regarded as the best fetcher in the country at the moment.
“The week has been really good and exciting.
"Our first sessions were incredibly good and everyone has just been excited about the weeks to come.”
The side winds down their preparations in Johannesburg before they depart to UK on Friday night. - TMG Digital
Springbok newcomers gear up for a new chapter in the national team
The Springboks are set to usher in a new era with the introduction of new faces in the European end-year tour.
The newcomers believe this is their time to shine and they intend to grab the opportunities that come their way with both hands in the matches against the Barbarians in London next week‚ and in the three tests against England‚ Italy and Wales.
Allister Coetzee gathered his troops in Johannesburg this week and in the squad of 30 that departs for the United Kingdom on Friday night‚ the Springbok coach is without a number of his senior charges who ply their trade overseas.
He has been working with 12 young players and the exciting loose trio of Uzair Cassiem‚ Roelof Smit and Jean-Luc du Preez are among them.
The newcomers have all expressed excitement at being included in the national squad for the first time.
Du Preez‚ the son of former Bok Robert du Preez‚ said while his father is proud of his call-up to the Springbok side and there may be pressure that comes with being the offspring of a legendary Bok‚ it is time for him to make his own mark.
“He (Robert) is really proud‚ like any other parent would be happy for their child‚” said the 21-year-old Du Preez.
“Look‚ he is critical at times. Look‚ my dad played and that is in the past now. I’d like to think that it is my time now.”
The incoming loose trio could have an opportunity to don the green and gold jersey next week against the Barbarians following good seasons for their provincial sides in the Currie Cup and in Super Rugby.
Du Preez starred for the Sharks‚ Smit for the Bulls and Cassiem‚ who was named man-of-the-match in the Currie Cup final‚ for the Cheetahs.
The 26-year-old Cassiem has been a standout performer this season and the most influential Cheetahs player in the side’s road to Currie Cup success.
The mobile flanker credits his teammates at his provincial side for his good form.
“I need to give credit to the whole (Cheetahs) squad of 45 players‚” he said.
“Without them‚ I wouldn’t even be sitting here. I say 45 players because there are some whom people will not see‚ but every week they are behind the scenes‚ at practices. All credit goes to them.”
The newbies have settled in very well in the Bok set up and they are determined to ensure a good finish to an otherwise substandard year.
“It is a big honour and privilege to be here‚” said Smit‚ who is regarded as the best fetcher in the country at the moment.
“The week has been really good and exciting.
"Our first sessions were incredibly good and everyone has just been excited about the weeks to come.”
The side winds down their preparations in Johannesburg before they depart to UK on Friday night. - TMG Digital
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