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Home , 2012 Varsity Rugby, AJ Venter, Akker van der Merwe, Albert van den Berg, Allister Coetzee, Andries Coetzee

: ‘I WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY’ JULY 2020 ISSUE 272

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MARCELL COETZEE RESURGENT STAR EYES NEXT SPRINGBOK DREAM

Pollard on the path to greatness UNSTOPPABLE MAKAZOLE JULY 2020 ISSUE 272 MAPIMPI R31.90 ( incl VAT) Other countries R27.74 (excl TAX) HOW HE BECAME BOKS’ LETHAL WEAPON

Cover Final.indd 1 2020/06/04 1:02 PM Vascamen.indd 1 2020/06/03 11:33 ISSUE 272 Contents UNSTOPPABLE HANDRE POLLARD HAS PROGRESSED AS A PLAYER AND LEADER 18 BY JON CARDINELLI

GOLDEN AFTERGLOW After an unforgettable World Cup, Faf 24 de Klerk is setting his sights on new goals BY CRAIG LEWIS LETHAL WEAPON SA Rugby magazine investigates what 28 makes so special BY SIMNIKIWE XABANISA ENDING THE DEBATE star 32 is poised to be backed at flyhalf BY JON CARDINELLI WAITING GAME SA rugby looks to find a way back 38 from unprecedented challenges BY CRAIG LEWIS ON YOUR MARX A new role with the Boks and a challenging stint in 42 Japan has pushed in a new direction

BRENDAN MORAN/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO MORAN/GETTY BRENDAN BY JON CARDINELLI

Contents_July272.indd 3 2020/06/04 08:36 NO HALF MEAURE The rugby community stepped up to aid 4 a host of worthy causes in a time of crisis BY CLINON AN DER BERG LIONHEARTED PRINGBO hopes to tackle the British & Irish Lions with the Springboks in 2021 BY CRAIG LEWIS IMPA OF OX Ox Nche fi nds himself fi rmly on the Springbok 4 radar after a career-changing move to the BY MIKE GREENAWAY ON THE DOUBLE Two-time World Cup winner Frans Steyn LIONEARED GOLDEN 8 returns to with vast experience RINGBOK 2 AERGLOW BY JAMIE LYALL AUTIONARY TALE Back in the Cape, talented fl yhalf Kade Wolhuter 2 is targeting a fresh start with WP Rugby BY MARIE ADAMS FOND FAREWELL will be remembered as 8 one of the most iconic grounds in SA rugby BY DYLAN JACK HIFTING LANE Former Springbok midfi elder Waylon Murray has 2 started a video podcast with global potential BY RYAN REDE LEADING THE WAY New Zealand’s Aotearoa • ers a framework for SA rugby to follow IMAC BY CLINON AN DER BERG O OX OPTION APLENTY A closer look at talented youngsters with the 8 potential to provide the spine of a future Bok side BY DYLAN JACK 5 EDITOR’S REFUING TO FAIL 7 SUBSCRIBE Former Sharks U18 prop Patrick Sikhosana 8 LINEBREAKS LEAL 8 has followed a winding road to play in Spain 2 WEAON BY DYLAN JACK 90 MY PERFECT XV

It will be a joy to see focus My heart bleeds for It’s encouraging to finally SA rugby’s 21-day Could a 40-year-old shifting to the local game pupils in their last year see unity in the push for contractual exit window flyhalf be the next in South Africa of playing school sport a global season didn’t leave a good look frontier in rugby? 2

Contents_July272.indd 4 2020/06/05 8:30 AM Editorial Director Gary Lemke Group Deputy Sports Editor Philippa Byron Editor Craig Lewis Chief Rugby Writer Jon Cardinelli Senior Writer Mariette Adams Rugby received a much-needed boost Staff Writer Dylan Jack when New Zealand led the way with Copy Editors Mark Salter, Nick Krige Digital Media Manager Juandre Joubert

the start of Super Rugby Aotearoa in Art Director Stuart Apsey June and put in place plans for Designers Kyle Collison, Bulelani Kheswa, its domestic competition to kick off in July. Celest Alexander, Abduraghmaan Davids Cover Repro Adri Papakonstantinou

And while it remains a waiting game in South Africa (see pages Contributors Mike Greenaway, , Jamie 38-41), there was hope of a return to training as the country moved Lyall, , Clinton van der Berg, Ryan to level three of lockdown at the start of June. Vrede, Simnikiwe Xabanisa Production Manager Rushaan Holliday Here at SA Rugby magazine, and I’ sure like many of you at Deputy Production Manager Maggie Wasserfall home, we’re excited by signs of light after an extended period Ad Traffic Controller Sajidah Allie Ad Designer Manager Brumilda Fredericks without on-field action to entertain us over the weekends. Ad Designers Abduraouf Bessick, Dionne Wicks, Yet it’s also been a time to reflect on some of the untold stories, Tyrone Michaels and we hope you enjoy our cover feature on World Cup star Handre Director of Sports Sales Niall Meegan Advertising Sales Roy Lategan, Calvin Maconochie Pollard as some of his teammates and coaches provide fascinating Chief Executive Officer Kevin Ferguson insight into his progression as a player and leader. Managing Director Tony Walker Similarly, his halfback partner Faf de Klerk opens up about his Production Director Bilqees Allie experiences at the World Cup, while we also find out from those Financial Director Lindsey Makrygiannis HR Director Rizqah Jakoet close to Makazole Mapimpi just what makes him such a lethal wing. Debtors Manager Sharon Maneveld With the 2020 rugby season thrown into disarray as a result of CEO’s PA Kovi Naidoo Photography HM Images, BackpagePix, Gallo the coronavirus outbreak, many players have turned to the next Images, Getty Images (unless otherwise credited) big goal. Marcell Coetzee and Malcolm Marx are just a couple of Cover Photos Getty images/Gallo images

Springbok stars who chat to us about their ambitions for the © Highbury Media (Pty) Ltd 2021 British & Irish Lions series, while we also take a closer 2004/031056/07, Highbury Media, 36 Old Mill Road, Ndabeni 7405, , South Africa look at the careers of youngsters such as Damian Willemse SUBSCRIPTION RATE and Ox Nche, who could have Available monthly to TFG group account holders for R30.99 (incl VAT) per issue; key roles to play for the Non-TFG account holders (12 issues): R359 (incl VAT) national side in the Neighbouring states: R559; International: R859 SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES near future. TFG account holders: Phone (021) 938-7506, email [email protected], or SMS ‘SARUGBY’ On that note, check out and your account number to 45176 our chat with the highly- Non-TFG account holders: Phone (021) 416-0141, fax 086-567-1350, or email: [email protected] regarded young flyhalf Kade EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Wolhuter, who is returning Tel: (021) 416-0141 Fax: (021) 421-1250 email: [email protected] to the Cape, and our feature ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES in which we identify a host Tel: (021) 416-0141 Fax: (021) 418-0132 email: [email protected] of talented stars to keep an eye on (pgs 80-83). Distributed by We continue to keep you updated on the impact of Covid-19 on rugby, but also look at some of the ISSN 2519-0512. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission is forbidden. Every inspirational outreach being care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. The conducted at this time. views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Enjoy the read and, most of all, keep safe! Craig Lewis MARK R. CRISTINO/BACKPAGEPIX

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SAR272 Editorial.indd 5 2020/06/02 1:21 PM E COLUMN DOMETI BLI THE COVID-19 CRISIS AND THE DIFFICULTY OF TRAVEL MAY FORCE RUGBY NATIONS TO RE-EVALUATE THEIR LOCAL COMPETITIONS

T I A T T A S R T S A I I S A I I S A T N T T T S A T IT WOULDN’T SURPRISE ME TO SEE FOCUS SHIFTING TO LOCAL RUGBY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE PROFESSIONAL ERA T R T S T I

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SAR270 Subs1.indd 7 2020/06/04 09:00 SAR linebreak opener.indd8

BACKPAGEPIX 2020/06/01 11:52AM Chasing a Legacy

‘There will be massive changes at the !’ This was the declaration from the team’s new director of rugby as an extensive rebuilding phase continued in . In May, the former three-time Super Rugby champions confirmed the signing of Boks , , and . As part of a shake-up to the coaching group, Joey Mongalo was appointed as the team’s new defence coach, returns as a breakdown specialist, while Russell Winter will serve as forwards coach for the next three years. In addition, Edgar Rathbone has been confirmed as the Bulls’ new CEO. Meanwhile, White touched base with to see if the legendary lock could provide input and he is said to be keen to involve another former Bok and Bulls legend, . Using those who were part of the team’s successful past is a way of ensuring the Bulls can begin to build towards a brighter future. ‘The message will be the same; we would like to go back to the future,’ White explained. ‘That means while we plan for the future, we must never forget how successful the Bulls have been in the past – not only in Super Rugby but also in the , which they’ve won several times. ‘It is one of the top unions in and we are going to work hard to create a bit of a legacy and respect the fact what’s happened before is just as important as what we want to create in the future. There are a lot of conversations on the go so everyone understands that what we do, we do together.’ It’s clear the Bulls have benefited from some financial stability as a result of last year’s significant announcement that billionaires Patrice Motsepe and Johann Rupert (via Remgro) had come in as equal majority shareholders of the company. ‘I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response, and all the calls I’m getting,’ White added. ‘A lot of players and agents have expressed interest in the Bulls, which is fantastic for us as a group.’ Indeed, it’s all made for a particularly interesting time in Bulls country. When Super Rugby ground to a halt in mid-March, the Pretoria-based side was down in 12th place on the overall standings. A clear turnaround plan is well under way, and time will tell if this can be effectively translated into winning results and long- term success. – Craig Lewis UP FRONT

14 OFF THE RADAR 10 15 LATE TACKLE 11 FACE OFF 16 PLAYER BUZZ

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SAR linebreak opener.indd 9 2020/06/01 11:52 AM AU REVOIR What made you decide to join La Rochelle? DILLYN LEYDS ON HIS MOVE FROM THE STORMERS TO LA ROCHELLE, They were really keen to have me over there. I thought it would be a great LEARNING FRENCH AND GETTING ADVICE FROM opportunity for me to experience a different lifestyle and rugby environment. The director of rugby and head coach Ronan How are the French lessons going? O’Gara explained their approach and how I can It has been quite fun. It is just me and my add value to the way they want to go, which was girlfriend at home at the moment. We try attractive to me. They gave me the feeling they to speak to each other in French before really wanted me to come over. Even when it was going to bed or we greet each other in the just discussions, some of their players reached morning. That’s about as far as we have got. out and told me what a nice club it is and the We try to do French lessons for half an hour amazing support they have. It got to the point to an hour every day. It is tough. I’ve been where I thought it could be a good move for me. telling my mates that I will need to drag my girlfriend with me to training, because she What do you expect from the ? is nailing the language at the moment. You hear different stories about it. Some people say it is slower and a bit more physical. We Did you chat to Cheslin Kolbe about all know there is a massive focus on the set what to expect when you get to France? piece. One element that attracted me was He has been the one guy I go to with any the way La Rochelle approach the game and questions. I approached him when the La are playing. They aren’t your typical French side. Rochelle thing first came about. It is nice They are sort of in line with Toulouse, where they because during our time at the Stormers we have an attacking mindset. So I am excited to were roommates, so we got quite close and experience the Top 14. From what I have seen, had conversations about anything happening it seems like it isn’t the same pace you would in our lives. It has been great to have his input. get in a Stormers vs clash, but you will His wife, Layla, has been really nice and chatted definitely get a physical side. I am also looking to my girlfriend and gave her advice about what forward to testing my ability against some of we can expect. It is obviously a difficult time France’s best. Hopefully the club can do well for both of them – moving to a new country and and get into the Champions Cup. It would be not really having any friends, whereas Cheslin great to be involved in that. and I can go to training and meet teammates, and that makes the transition a bit easier. Your Do you think this move is coming at the partner is probably not going to have such right time for you? a smooth transition. Cheslin and Layla have At this moment, it has been the right decision. been so helpful. – Dylan Jack A couple of years ago I got an opportunity to go to Japan. It was an attractive offer and

I considered it, but I probably wasn’t mentally ready to leave and I wasn’t in the right space to make a decision like that. With La Rochelle’s approach, I was shown how it would benefit me as a player, where I am at as a person away from rugby and where I want to grow. I could have gone earlier but it probably wouldn’t have been the best decision for me at that time. It shows a more mature side of me to be able to realise this is the right time to go and experience something different.

Are you excited to change your lifestyle? I don’t really know what to expect. I’ve been speaking to a few guys in the UK and France over the past couple of years and you hear only good things. They obviously say good things about the areas they are in. I got hold of , who plays for Toulouse, and who I played with at the Force. He was at La Rochelle for three years and I have been chatting to him quite a bit to find out more about the place. I have a lot of schoolmates who are all over Europe and they are excited that I am coming over to France. Hopefully I can reconnect with some of them

who I haven’t seen in quite a long time. SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX WILKISKY/SAMUEL RYAN

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LB &A.indd 10 2020/06/03 08:28 WHAT WAS THE GREATEST IMPACT OF THE 21-DAY CONTRACT EXIT CLAUSE AND SALARY REDUCTIONS?

o South African side fared worse on transfer day’ than the Lions. Four South African rugby’s first deadline day’ certainly took its toll, with the exit players, including World Cup winner alcolm arx, were released from window that allowed players to cancel their contracts in favour of overseas their contracts. Although subsequent talk emerged to suggest the Lions offers coming to a close on 14 ay. ieterSteph du Toit unwittingly found were hoping to find a way to keep arx from leaving, it remained unclear himself as the central figure in this unique storyline after rumours and at the beginning of June whether they would succeed in these negotiations. reports did the rounds, suggesting he could leave the Stormers. The golden generation that won three straight conference titles and After many twists and turns in that contract saga, he recommitted to qualified for three finals is all but depleted. Only a handful of players W Rugby and accepted the salary reductions. If the World Rugby layer who featured against the Hurricanes in the 1 Super Rugby final of the Year had opted to head abroad, I would have had no hesitation in are still with the Lions today. saying the Stormers suffered the biggest blow during the transfer’ window. , , , ylan Smith and Ross Clearly there was a lot more to this story but it did serve to highlight Cronje featured prominently during the period of unprecedented success the leadership absentees at W Rugby, where there was no CEO or director between 1 and 1. The injuryplagued is on the of rugby to take charge of contract negotiations. It left head coach John coaching staff but may yet make a return to play. is back in obson with a number of balls to juggle that extend well beyond what after a twoyear stint with Gloucester. It may encourage his primary focus should be. fans and stakeholders to know that these players are still with the team Flank and flyhalf JeanLuc du lessis did terminate their and they may well spearhead the rebuild. contracts, while the Lions bid farewell to four players on deadline day’. With On the other hand, it’s worth noting how many oks and senior players new leadership, though, the ulls have predominantly set about restructuring – Franco ostert, Faf de Klerk and , among their squad with a number of incoming recruits announced, but centre Johnny many others – have joined the exodus in recent years. The loss of so many Kotze was one of the first players to utilise the exit option. senior forwards has compromised the Lions in key areas such as the set eanwhile, the Sharks were left miffed when highly regarded Tyler pieces, collisions and rucks. They certainly missed the scrummaging and aul belatedly confirmed he would be leaving. It blindsided CEO Eduard breakdown prowess of arx this year. Coetzee, who had already endured an extremely stressful period as efore the break began back in arch, the Lions ranked last in the South Springboks stars such as akazole apimpi and were African conference with a winloss record of 1. The suits at Ellis ark must courted by overseas clubs. find a way to develop and retain the region’s talent over the next few years All in all, it was a tumultuous time for local franchises as they helplessly for the Lions to become a force once more. had to accept an unprecedented contract exit clause. CHRISIAAN KE/RYAN WILKISKY/BACKPAGEPIX KE/RYAN CHRISIAAN

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SAR272 Face off.indd 11 2020/06/03 9:41 AM E HOOL COLUMN BLUE THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC HAS HAD A HEART-BREAKING IMPACT ON PUPILS IN THEIR FINAL YEAR OF SCHOOL SPORT

ith Covid1 causing absolute gone from starting as a lowly Grade to being havoc across the world with the one who everyone looks up to. Yes, take that hundreds of thousands of deaths, in for a moment think back to your last year at So, please don’t get me wrong, because many businesses going under and school and imagine not experiencing that. I absolutely loved school and would have loved millions more suffering job losses, eople often ask me about my most memorable to stay another year, but unfortunately you will Wwe can safely say is a write off’. game in my career and it’s a tough one to answer. never get back by repeating in 1. ot We all have ideas and theories of what should ut I have no doubt that if I could play only one only will you not get it back but you will also take be done and how governments should deal with game of rugby again, it would be for my school’s opportunities away from Grade 1s and 11s who the disaster but, then again, who knows what 1st . Yes, it ranks higher than any Test, Super might have more ability and talent. If you stay the real impact and ramifications will be over Rugby, Currie Cup or Heineken Cup final. behind to play , bear in mind that it’s the next few months and years There have been rumours that many boys will only an U1 competition and most postmatrics Schools have been hit hard and pupils across repeat to play firstteam rugby in 1. won’t qualify for it, unless they started school at South Africa have lost months of education. One ostmatrics have been around for many years a younger age. has to feel for the Grade s and 1s in their last and I don’t take any issue with it. I do, however, This pandemic may have ruined for years of primary and high school. They are the feel that boys should not repeat matric in 1 all those talented schoolboy rugby players who ones I feel most sorry and aggrieved for. I will merely to play rugby. thought they had a career in the sport and were refer to rugby but the same can be said about If you had planned that before Covid1, hoping to play 1st rugby and possibly even all sports played by the pupils in these grades. please stick to it. any firstteam coaches represent their provinces at Craven Week. You any boys have only one year and a realistic would love to have their stars back again next will never get that back and my heart really chance of playing for their 1st s. any would year as schoolboy rugby is very competitive and bleeds for you. have sacrificed other sports and specialised in often the overall rating of how good a school is Trust me, though, if you are good enough and rugby to have this one chance, where they’ve will be based on the rugby results. willing to work hard enough, you will still have a career in rugby. on’t let Covid1 ruin another year for you

IF I COULD PLAY ONLY ONE GAME OF RUGBY AGAIN, IT TERLACHE IS A FOR SRIOK WHO EARE TEST CAS. HE IS OW THE CEO OF THE SA RUGY LEGES ASSOCIATIO A SERE AS A EER OF WORL RUGY’S JUICIAL COITTEE AT THE WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY BE FOR MY SCHOOL’S 1ST XV 1 WORL CU. CARL URIE/GALL IMAGES URIE/GALL CARL

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Afrisam.indd 1 2020/05/21 20:57 RUGBY CAREER Once touted as South Africa’s OFF THE RADAR version of , Dean Hall was a prodigious talent who blazed his way WHAT HAPPENED TO FORMER LIONS through the local system, from schools rugby AND SPRINGBOK DEAN HALL? to the club scene through to the provincial set-up and ultimately the international arena. Unfortunately, all his achievements were Considering the high praise Hall bestows on crammed into an intermittent 10-year span the likes of Lomu, , Joe Roff and because his career was blighted by injuries , it wouldn’t be out of place that took their toll and forced him into an to assume one of his Test matches against the early retirement. All Blacks or Wallabies was the pinnacle of his Hall starred for Springs Boys’ High while also career. But he goes back to the beginning to turning out for Pirates Rugby Club. He would single out his favourite moment. earn selection for the South Africa U23 side ‘I was 19 and playing for Pirates when I was in 1996 and, a year later, he made his debut selected by Lions coach to play for the at U21 and senior level. in the Currie Cup semi-final against Western It was the perfect platform to launch his Province in 1997. I ran out at Newlands and professional career, which was redirected James Small – the most capped Springbok at to the Cats and Sharks and culminated in that stage – was my opponent. I was the new 13 Tests for the Springboks. youngster coming on to the scene and I had ‘There are so many memories I hold dear. to play against him. That was a real baptism Becoming a Springbok, being associated with of fire if ever there was one and I loved every all the teams I was in, all the coaches, players moment of it.’ and different characters I met along the way; Hall identifies the 2000-01 Cats squads every part of being a rugby player was just a – under the tutelage of and fantastic time of my life,’ he says. featuring , Andre Vos, Andre Because he was considerably bigger in size Venter, and than the norm for a wing in South Africa, Hall – as the best and most professional set-up drew comparisons to All Blacks superstar Lomu, he had experienced. However, he is adamant but he rejects that. there’s nothing he would change about the to do a different procedure on my knee, which ‘Jonah was an unbelievable player who direction his career took before and after allowed me to get another four years of playing revolutionised his position and the game his three-year stint at the Cats. rugby. I was never the same player after the in general. At that point I was coming up ‘I wouldn’t say I have regrets. I feel more operation. It was frustrating that I couldn’t as a big wing so I was just put into the same of a disappointment because my career was bow out on my own terms.’ mould. I can honestly say I have never compared cut short by an injury. myself to Jonah. My game was slightly different ‘It’s hard to sit down with four doctors LIFE AFTER RUGBY to his; defensively I was stronger whereas he was and have them tell you your career is over. ‘Life after rugby is a difficult place to find far more effective on attack using his weight and It is a tough pill to swallow, but after that yourself. You have so much direction while his speed,’ says Hall. I did manage to find a doctor who was able playing and you are committed to the cause. Making that transition is the hardest. AJ Venter admitted he suffered a traumatic experience after leaving rugby and it is a tough place to be. But you focus on the positives and you find your way eventually,’ Hall says. Since his retirement in 2007, he worked at various companies until 2015. Now he runs his own business, Solo Chemicals. ‘I’ve always been passionate about nutrition, in particular joint and bone health. So I started a company that imports clinically proven and validated ingredients which benefit people who suffer from bad knee joints and bones, and in health nutrition in general. It’s changing people’s lives and it’s rewarding.’

FAMILY LIFE Hall is happily married to Nicole and has two daughters, Taylor (12) and Devyn (seven). ‘No boys, but they do say rugby players generally have girls and I’m loving every minute of being a father of two lovely girls. We enjoy going into nature, taking walks and going on long drives to the countryside. We expose them to various sports without pressuring them because we want them to develop

and grow at their own pace.’ IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO LAND//GETTY ROSS

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SAR272 Off the radar.indd 14 2020/06/03 08:17 WADE PRETORIUS POKES FUN AT RUGBY’S CRAZY UNDERBELLY

THANKLESS TASK forward has revealed the inner workings of the BRONCO BEAUDEN national team through his efforts on New signing clearly used lockdown to enhance the so-called social committee. The his conditioning as he impressed his new teammates by smashing the position went from being a badge franchise’s Bronco Test record on his first day back. The drill, used to of honour to the ‘turd that no one measure aerobic endurance, requires players to run shuttles of 20, would pick up’, he says. Despite the 40 and 60 five times, as quickly as possible. The Blues claimed interest from coach Eddie Jones that eight personal bests were set during the drill but it was Barrett and , George says the who led the pack with a time of four minutes and 12 seconds. team has become demanding and he gets heckled no matter what. Former teammate was jokingly outed as someone who couldn’t handle the culture overload of the Cirque du Soleil and left at half-time. Former player also weighed in on the personalities saying some players are negative just for the sake of it. However, George continues to ‘take on the challenge’ of trying to get , and George Ford on board with the fun.

IGNORANT AMERICAN A YouTuber from the US – not afraid to call himself the Ignorant American – has ‘analysed’ the exploits of Springbok Faf de Klerk in a video that was watched nearly 500 000 times. Watching rugby for the first time, the analysis is unintentionally hysterical as he comes to grips with De Klerk’s tenacity. ‘You don’t expect someone of his stature to just erase people’, ‘it looks like he’s playing at a different speed’ and ‘I love to see him just gobbling up these forwards’ are just some of the highlights from this new version of rugby commentary.

(REALLY) BAD JOKES The Stormers used lockdown as an opportunity to get creative, but the forwards vs backs ‘Bad Jokes’ challenge showed that very few in the squad will have a career in comedy after they hang up their boots. Both teams were up for it, but it was the forwards who came out strong to win the contest at the death. More importantly, the team enjoyed a bunch of laughs, with and arguably the standout performers. SUPPLIED

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SAR269 Late tackle.indd 15 2020/06/02 1:56 PM SAR269 Player Buzz.indd16 16 his daughter. scrumhalf whilesharingamomentwith ‘How life haschanged,’ joked theSpringbok RUDYPAIGE fortunate withdonationsduringlockdown. the Springbokcaptain,whoassistedless we respect them,may we protect them,’ said ‘May we hearthem,may we upliftthem,may SIYAKOLISI groceries,’ joked theLeicester Tigers centre. ‘Patiently waiting for my turntogo shopfor JACOTAUTE communities around CapeTown. wing, whoassistedwithcharitywork in chance togive back,’ saidtheSpringbok lockdown. Thankfulfor whatIhave andthe for mebeinginCapeTown duringthis time, however Ibelieve there was apurpose ‘I was supposedtobeinFrance duringthis KOLBECHESLIN the Stormerswing. this morning#WorldBakingDay,’ revealed ‘So Ibaked acake drenched inchocolate PETERSENSERGEAL beginning ofJune. aslockdownSharks easedatthe flank ‘Level 3we're ready for you,’ saidtheexcited JAMESVENTER Stransky andJohnSmit. prop, alongsideformer Springboks Joel some peopleoutthere,’ saidtheBulls #OneCupOfPap teamtryingtofeed ‘Friday was awesome withthe TREVORNYAKANE Kirsten andPatrick Schickerling. withteammatesJannes Exeter Chiefsflank ‘Lockdown withtheboys #grateful,’ saidthe JACQUESVERMEULEN food donationsinhiscommunity. quoted rapper .Cole,afterassistingwith broke?’ asked the Springbokscrumhalf, who ‘What good isthebread ifmy brothers are HERSCHELJANTJIES WHAT PLAYERS HAVE BEEN SHARING ONSOCIAL MEDIA 2020/06/02 8:16AM

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IXU.indd 1 2020/06/08 15:51 SAR272 Handre Pollardcoverfeature.indd 18 1 ANDRE OLLARD 2020/06/05 8:13AM

E IES IES HANDRE POLLARD IS A ONCE- IN-A-GENERATION PLAYER AND FEARLESS LEADER WHO APPEARS DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

WORDS: JON CARDINELLI MAIN PHOTO: STEVE HAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS

here was a time in 2019 when an game at that stage, so Handre lifted some injury-ravaged doubted of the weight from my shoulders. whether he was the right man to ‘I don’t think I could have got to where lead the Springboks. Fortunately, I was in the World Cup playoffs without his he found some support in the help,’ Kolisi continues. ‘Handre had a big shape of Handre Pollard. impact on me in that campaign. His support ‘I wasn’t yet at my best when gave me a lot of confidence.’ I played against in Bok assistant coach Pretoria and then against Japan notes how Pollard has grown into this role. in the World Cup warm-up,’ the ‘We’ve been following this story since captain tells SA Rugby magazine. Handre was a schoolboy,’ Stick says. ‘As ‘I was asking myself whether coaches, we’ve never doubted his potential. I might be a liability at the What we’ve seen over the past two years tournament. I tend to ask for help when is how he’s started to make the move from I need it on the pitch, but on this occasion potentially great to actually great.’ TI tried to get through the issue on my own. remembers the first time ‘Handre could see that I was stressing and he met Pollard at a Bok training camp in needed help. He came to me and gave me 2014. The widely held perception of Pollard affirmation. He told me he would take charge as an arrogant and overhyped schoolboy was if I needed him to. I had to focus on my own wide of the mark.

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‘Like everyone else in South Africa, I’ heard about this teenage sensation who had won the Junior World Championship and the U20 World Rugby Player of the Year award,’ the Bok lock says. ‘When I first saw him, I thought he might be arrogant. We clicked from our very first interaction, though. We were the youngest guys in the squad and were forced to sit next to each other at the front of the bus. We spoke a lot of nonsense and had a few laughs.’ Kolisi points out that some people mistook the youngster’s innate confidence for arrogance. Pollard‘s self-belief and clear intent served him well when he fronted the All Blacks that year – and certainly when he battled England in the World Cup final some five years later. ‘He refused to be intimidated,‘ says Kolisi. ‘He knew exactly what he wanted from the moment he stepped on to the training field. You tend to draw energy from a person like that. He was a natural leader, even at the age of 20. It was in his personality to take charge, in terms of organising the team and through leading by example. I think, when he scored those two tries against the All Blacks at Ellis Park people started to realise that he was worth the hype.’ De Jager has mixed feelings about the 2015 season. The Boks lost to Argentina and ‘FEARLESS IS PROBABLY THE RIGHT Japan for the first time, and finished third at the World Cup. De Jager – the 2015 SA Rugby WORD. NOTHING COULD BREAK Player of the Year – and Pollard were among HIM. AS WE GAINED MOMENTUM HE a small group of South Africans who left the global tournament with their heads held high. BECAME UNSTOPPABLE’ – SIYA KOLISI ‘People talk about players who show composure and resilience to win the odd ‘I’ve had my own struggles with injuries,’ Stick notes how most players like to relax game,’ says De Jager. ‘I think more could the lock says, referring to a series of long- immediately after a big Test. Pollard, however, be said for the guys who stay cool in the term setbacks that have cost him a number went looking for work regardless of the result. wake of big disappointments and setbacks. of Test caps. ‘It may have been different for ‘He’s always bugging the analysts at around They stand up when the going gets tough. Handre, as a guy who enjoyed success 11pm after a game. He wants to review his They find a way to push through it all and straight out of school and always seemed performance or to get started on his own come back stronger. destined for great things. He went to the analysis. He’s a gifted player who has had ‘I’ll never forget the loss to Argentina at World Cup. Then he tore knee ligaments. a lot of success, but he’s worked bloody Kings Park in 2015. Handre missed several Then he injured his ankle. He was sidelined hard for it. kicks at goal. Pat Lambie was sitting on for the better part of two seasons. That’s a ‘The morning after a game he’ll come the bench, and the crowd started to chant life-changing experience. looking for the coaches. Credit needs to ‘‘Lambie! Lambie!’’ to encourage Heyneke ‘After every Test, your phone doesn’t stop go to Rassie for creating an environment Meyer to send Pat on to the field. That buzzing with calls and WhatsApp messages. where players can engage with the coaches really hurt Handre. When you’re on the long comeback trail, and contribute ideas. Handre is always ‘He didn’t travel to the 2015 World Cup as however, sometimes the only people you pushing, challenging and asking questions.’ the first-choice flyhalf. Things changed after hear from are your wife and your mom. It When SA Rugby magazine relays the the loss against Japan in , though. forces you to reflect on life and what you comments made by his teammates and Heyneke spelled it out in no uncertain terms: want out of it. You’re forced to grow. When coaches, Pollard goes out of his way Handre had to steer the team to a win against you spend a lot of time out of the game, you to describe himself, and any perceived Samoa or South Africa were out of the World tell yourself you will never take a single match individual success, as a result of a world- Cup. That was a lot to ask of a 21-year-old, for granted again.’ class environment. but Handre embraced that responsibility from The Boks noted a change when Pollard ‘That’s the brilliant thing about the the moment he received it.’ returned during the latter stages of the 2017 culture Rassie created,’ Pollard says. ‘There Pollard suffered a series of injuries after season. The team, as a collective, started to was total honesty and transparency at that that tournament. By the time he returned play with more direction with him starting World Cup. If you had something to say and to the Boks in late 2017, he’d been out of regularly at No 10. if you wanted to challenge someone, you the international game for two years. ‘He was stronger mentally,’ says Kolisi. did it in front of everyone. There were no As De Jager explains, the time away forced ‘Fearless is probably the right word. Nothing one-on-ones behind closed doors. Pollard to realise how fast things can change could break him. As we gained momentum in ‘I’m not going to lie to you, there were and why he should treat every game as if it’s 2018, and then throughout the 2019 season, some tough times when guys had a go at his last. he became unstoppable.’ one another. And that’s what you need if

SAR272 Handre Pollard cover feature.indd 20 2020/06/02 12:49 each other as a rival in that set-up. They final. In the decider, he recovered after an simply saw it as a case of working together early miss to kick his team into a strong and for the same cause.’ ultimately winning position. Pollard, of course, was tasked with organising ‘If you look at how many World Cup finals the team on the park and making the big calls. have been decided by penalties or drop goals, He was always going to be judged by how he you will understand why we invested so much amplified his teammates rather than his own into that aspect of the game,’ says Stick. individual performance. ‘And that’s how it played out in the final ‘He’s the player who has to sum up the in . Most people will remember situation in a fraction of a second and make the tries scored by Makazole Mapimpi and a decision,‘ says Stick. ‘He’s got to look at Cheslin Kolbe in the second half, which the players around him and decide how he’s really took the game away from England. going to organise them and use them to the But you cannot forget the platform that team’s benefit. It’s something he relishes.’ was laid in the first half by the forwards, Bok centre , who has been who set the tone and forced England to Pollard’s teammate since they starred for make mistakes. the SA Schools side in 2012, reveals how ‘You still need someone to translate each each of Pollard’s decisions can shape the opportunity into points and to build that way the Boks attack. scoreboard pressure. Handre missed the first ‘He’s physical and has a bullet of a pass. shot at goal, but bounced back magnificently. He also has good feet and the ability to It was the difference if you think that we draw the defender and create the space,’ the kept our noses in front. England were forced No 13 says. ‘That makes all the difference to chase the game because of his accuracy.’ for us on the outside. He knows what works Kriel – who missed the latter stages of the and what wins Test matches, and he backs tournament due to a serious injury – watched his teammates. In turn, we have a lot of the final from the stands. He never doubted confidence in his leadership.’ that Pollard’s resolve would be a factor in SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE There have been occasions, of course, a game of high stakes. where victory or defeat has hinged on one ‘Handre handles the pressure better Before the lockdown in France, Handre Pollard and aspect of Pollard’s performance. The Bok than any player I’ve seen. He’s so sure of his wife took the opportunity to explore several flyhalf slotted a late penalty against Wales his ability and that always comes through European countries and embrace the local culture. to steer South Africa into the World Cup in the big moments. If I had to put my He may not have enjoyed such a chance if he were still playing in South Africa. ‘IF I HAD TO PUT MY HOUSE ON SOMEONE ‘I’m here to play rugby and my focus is with Montpellier. That said, we do have an opportunity TO WIN A GAME FOR ME, HANDRE WOULD to hop on a train or plane and explore some incredible places that are just a couple of hours BE MY GUY’ – JESSE KRIEL away,’ he says. ‘When you’re in South Africa, you feel like you’re a world apart. You wouldn’t get the chance to explore Lapland or drive to Switzerland or Barcelona on your day off, or possibly ever.’ France lifted its lockdown in mid-May and the Pollards took the chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in Montpellier. ‘It was pretty intense, being cooped up for 50-odd days. When the lockdown ended, my wife and I took a stroll down the road and there were a few people out and about. I even got a chance to play some golf again. It was good to see that spirits were so high.’

you want to sort things out and find a solution. It’s probably one of the reasons we did as well as we did.’ Pollard looked for ways and means to improve over the course of the World Cup in Japan. His relationship with second- choice flyhalf Elton Jantjies – who played a key off-field role in preparing the team for the playoffs – provided him with a different perspective. ‘That’s the kind of thing people won’t see,’ says Kolisi. ‘Elton was forever talking to Handre about opposition players and

SUPPLIED/FRANCK ROBICHON/MARK R CRISTINO/BACKPAGEPIX ROBICHON/MARK SUPPLIED/FRANCK tactics. Neither Elton nor Handre viewed

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house on someone to win a game for me, Handre would be my guy.’ ‘I DON’T WANT TO FIND MYSELF IN A When the final whistle blew, Pollard’s SITUATION WHERE I’M STAGNATING OR immediate reaction was to leap into the arms of Frans Steyn. That moment provided BECOMING COMPLACENT’ – HANDRE POLLARD a glimpse of the man behind the iron mask of composure. That win, after all, represented ‘When the final whistle blew I turned and ‘It can only aid his growth. That may sound a triumph on so many levels. Frans was the first guy I saw. I just jumped crazy, as Handre has been playing Test rugby ‘You’re right, I don’t usually wear my heart right into his arms. What made it even more since 2014, but players sometimes need to on my sleeve,’ Pollard says when I ask him special for me was that I’d watched Frans win break out of their comfort zones. about the reaction. ‘I’m not that kind of guy. the 2007 World Cup when I was 13 years old. ‘It’s a win-win situation for us. Handre But if you are going to show some emotion, He was one of my heroes growing up. That I will see how they play in Europe and he will the World Cup final is the time to do it. got the chance to win a World Cup alongside bring that information back to the Boks. It my hero was massive for me.’ will challenge him to look at his own game This team has the potential to improve, in a new way and perhaps add to it. There as does its first-choice flyhalf, who will be 27 is no down side to a move like that.’ KAMIKAZE KID when the British & Irish Lions come to town Pollard is reportedly one of the highest- in 2021 and 29 at the 2023 World Cup. Stick paid players in Europe. The opportunity to ‘Ask Handre how he got his nickname,’ long-time is excited about what the future may hold. compete abroad and explore the depths of teammate Lood de Jager insists. De Jager and ‘What made , his mettle and ability, however, will provide Pollard made their Test debuts in the same season and the rest truly great? They performed at him with far more than financial gain. (2014) and featured in the same Bulls side between a high standard for a long time. Handre has ‘This whole experience is exactly what 2017 and 2019 before taking up contracts with the same hunger to excel. There are a lot of I needed,’ he says. ‘The Top 14 competition overseas clubs. youngish players in this squad, and I think is incredibly tough. The lifestyle is very Pollard laughs when De Jager’s question is relayed they all realise that they, as a group, have different and the seven or eight South to him. ‘During a game for the Bulls, I caught a high a fantastic opportunity to go further in the Africans at the club have been helping ball in backfield and set off towards the opposition next few years. There’s more they can achieve.’ me with the language. forwards. I maintained my line without a hint of And while the exodus of top players ‘It’s not easy, but I have also found it a sidestep, and was duly smashed. Unfortunately, remains an issue, Stick feels that Pollard’s stimulating. I enjoy new challenges. I don’t RG Snyman and some of the other guys started move to Montpellier will benefit the flyhalf want to find myself in a situation where I’m calling me ‘Kamikaze’ after that. and the team in the long run. The player stagnating or becoming complacent. That’s

spent the previous seven years at the Bulls. not who I am.’ ALEXANDRE DIMOU/BACKPAGEPIX

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SAR272 Handre Pollard cover feature.indd 22 2020/06/02 12:49 Solidarity Fund.indd 1 2020/05/28 12:32 SAR272 Faf deKlerk.indd24 ATERGLO 24 A DELER AFTER PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN THE BOKS’THE IN PLAYINGROLE AFTER KEY A WORLD CUP SUCCESS,CUPWORLD IS FAFKLERK DE SETTING HIS SIGHTS ON NEW GOALSNEW SIGHTSON HIS SETTING MAIN PHOTO:MAIN colourful swimwear. Prince Harry whilehewas clad in justhis De Klerk interacting with England’s showing media momentwere images added to the‘trending’ social of the SouthAfricanflag.What a speedo costumeinthecolours change room wearing nothingbut of him celebrating intheBok as they say, when pictures emerged Proudly SouthAfrican craze. overdrive andinspired auniquely Faf deKlerksentsocialmediainto the Springboks’ World Cuptriumph, n theimmediateaftermathof The scrumhalf‘broke theinternet’, MARK R CRISTINO/BACKPAGEPIXR MARK WORDS: CRAIG LEWIS CRAIG 2020/05/27 9:36AM

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GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES FAF DEKLERK 2020/05/27 9:36AM 25 On the half-hour mark, and with the ‘I COULD FEEL 10 MINUTES INTO THE FINAL Boks leading 6-3, England went through THAT WHATEVER ENGLAND THREW AT US, phase after phase of relentless attack. For three minutes, the South Africans tackled WE HAD AN ANSWER FOR IT’ and tackled and tackled, refusing to allow their line to be breached. Eventually the When the Springboks went on a trophy got along so well and the way everything ball was knocked on and England had to tour across South Africa, several fans lined was handled was so good for us as players. settle for a penalty. the roads wearing similar speedos as they The people in Japan were also amazing; they It was a defining moment as a try imitated De Klerk’s look, while in the weeks went out of their way to make it a special went a-begging, while the Springboks to follow, the scrumhalf even conducted an tournament. I could go on for days about the drew immense confidence when it became interview with Englishmen and experiences of each game and the emotions, clear there was no answer to overcoming this in which all were humorously but the first memory is the greatest one, brutal demonstration of cohesive defence. wearing the now-famous gear. which was winning the final. Lately there Again, De Klerk pauses before answering It all encapsulated the feel-good spirit have been a lot of videos from that final a question about the key facets of such and array of unforgettable memories that and it was great to revive those memories. a display. have endured well beyond that magical ‘For me, it was just great to be part of ‘Probably the first thing I felt was that if day in Yokohama on 2 November. that occasion, it really did feel like one of someone missed a tackle, our philosophy was And even as the game went into an those perfect games,’ he continues. ‘That’s that it’s not about that guy making a mistake. unprecedented state of lockdown due to the not to say everything went perfectly, not As a team, we agreed that we needed to cover coronavirus outbreak, the achievements of at all, but I could feel 10 minutes into the for each other, no matter what. We did our the Springboks in Japan and what it means game that whatever England threw at us, we analysis 100 times over, we knew what we for the future of the game remain a topical had an answer for it, and they weren’t doing needed to do and specifically in that final, subject as the world champions try to ensure anything to break us. I remember standing when they couldn’t score after 20-odd phases, it inspires a period of sustained success. on the field and thinking the guys were up that gave us real confidence. SA Rugby magazine caught up with De Klerk for this game, charged up, physically ready, ‘Of course, work rate was a big thing, never on his return to South Africa after his duties and because our forwards were so dominant, giving up and putting your body on the line. for English club had been halted it made things so much easier for us backs. If you stop a guy, but break your arm, it’s by the suspension of competition. ‘People think we changed the way we almost worth it. We had no fear of making When our conversation naturally drifted played in the final but we just got so many a mistake in our defensive system, because to his World Cup recollections, he pauses penalty advantages we could have a bit more you always knew someone would be there to briefly before answering each question. It of a go. That made it a more exciting game, cover for you. That mindset was important.’ offered a sense of him almost reliving the but it was great to see how physically ready The Springboks’ comprehensive and unforgettable experience. everybody was for that match. For me, it was confident performance in the title decider What is the one memory that still stands a perfect game and perfect day.’ also stood in stark contrast to the tense out for him? That team performance has been dissected and tetchy three-point win over Wales in ‘I think the first thing is that although we in minute detail, but one passage of play the semi-final. spent a lot of time in Japan, there were no particularly serves as a microcosm of what SA Rugby magazine understands that issues at all in the camp,’ he says. ‘Everyone the Springboks stood for. there was a brief moment in the lead-up

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to that match when coach Rassie Erasmus had This philosophy – based around a team a strange feeling of misgiving that things motto of ‘Let the main thing stay the main were not going to go their way against a thing’ – was all about putting egos aside and INCREASED Wales team that had won the previous four ensuring the collective goal was prioritised games against the Boks. over any individual considerations. COMPETITION Yet, something clicked just in time, and How would De Klerk describe it? He although it was far from a convincing victory, pauses … and then answers with careful ‘I’ve always thought we had good depth at the Springboks got the job done. consideration: ‘Coach Rassie and all the scrumhalf, even though there were stages when ‘The thing for us is that we had notoriously coaches said from the beginning, if you’re people were saying there was no one really taking struggled against Wales over the past few not going to fit into the environment and it forward. But I always thought there were options, years,’ De Klerk reflects. ‘They are a difficult take disappointment well, you’re probably and it’s now especially good to see young guys team to play against because we normally not going to last long in the side, no matter coming through. Look at someone like Herschel feel that, if we’re up for it on the day, we how good you may be. From the beginning, Jantjies; you can just see the confidence he’s been can physically dominate opposition sides. the squad he picked was based on a lot of playing with, and I had a great time with him at But Wales never go away and are up for it factors, not just on-field performances, but the World Cup. for every second of the game, and they’re also how each individual handled himself off ‘It’s going to put a lot of pressure on the guys, not going to be scared off. They also have a the field and dealt with certain situations. and you can’t just expect that because you were good kicking game, and strong defence and That’s why everything went well. in the World Cup final, you will hold that place. attacking structures. So we knew it would be ‘If you didn’t get picked, it was about There’s a new energy around the jersey and so tough but thankfully we got the edge. Even carrying on and seeing the bigger picture, much competition. I saw that in every Super Rugby though it was really close, I think we got and preparing the playing team as best as game – guys have a new lease of life and clearly confidence from that game. We stuck to possible. We knew we’d be in Japan for the really want to play for the Springboks. There is our plans and we weren’t stressed. longest time of any side, so we had to deal pressure and you have to perform and, if you do ‘Then going into the final, we knew this with any situation, and ensure we had that not, there will be someone waiting, ready to fill wasn’t just about us or the team any more, unity and understanding as a squad.’ your space. That creates a good environment and it was about something bigger. I think that In the months since the World Cup final and it brings out the best in me, knowing someone is really hit home for us in that final week. during the lockdown period, there has been pushing me.’ The guys from the wider squad who trained time to reflect on this World Cup journey. Yet, against us were amazing and so supportive. the golden period to bask in that afterglow We all realised we couldn’t just focus on our has also come and gone. mistakes, or what we were doing on the field It’s with this in mind that De Klerk casts an as individuals; I could feel that with every eye to the future, and the 2021 British & Irish run and tackle we made.’ Lions tour to South Africa. ‘WINNING THE WORLD CUP IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL AS A PLAYER, BUT YOU NEED TO SET NEW GOALS’

‘It’s definitely important to refocus a bit. For me, it was good to go back to Sale after the World Cup and reapply myself. You couldn’t just win a World Cup and go back to your club and then not keep performing. So I had to refocus and prove my value in that squad, and luckily the club has been doing well. ‘Winning the World Cup is the ultimate goal as a player, but you need to set new goals. The first one is to get back on the pitch and start playing well consistently again after this break. Whoever gets the chance needs to build on what we achieved last year. And if I got the opportunity to play against the Lions, I would want to play well and be part of a successful tour. That would be another dream come true because the opportunity doesn’t come around very often. ‘After going to Sale in 2017, I never thought I’d be in this position, and so

FRANCK ROBICHON/STEVE HAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS/BACKPAGEPIX FRANCK ROBICHON/STEVE I want to ensure I make the most of it.’

SAR272 Faf de Klerk.indd 27 2020/05/27 9:36 AM Makazole Mapimpi.indd 28 SHARKS STARSHARKS THOSECLOSEST AND BOK THE TO INVESTIGATESAPPROACHINGBY LETHAL SOSPECIAL? WHATMAKAZOLEMAKES MAPIMPI MAIN PHOTO:MAIN WORDS: SIMNIKIWE XABANISASIMNIKIWE STEVEHAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS RUGBY SA MAGAZINE 2020/05/28 1:06PM

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Makazole Mapimpi.indd 29 2020/05/28 1:06 PM MAKAZOLE MAPIMPI

egendary former Liverpool coach Bill Shankly once had a striker who was addled about the ‘how to’ side of goal- scoring. When the striker approached Shankly with his conundrum, the Scot said: ‘Put the ball in the back of the net then we can talk about it.’ Few players epitomise this fuss-free approach to scoring like star Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi. He may not be the biggest, fastest or even the most talented, but wherever he has played he has scored tries. Those who have worked with him explain five aspects of what makes South Africa’s first try-scorer in a World Cup final so venomous. (By the way, Mapimpi means cobra in isiXhosa.) extremely quickly, something which is David Williams Aled Walters important to our game with the chasing SHARKS ASSISTANT COACH (GAME SENSE) FORMER SPRINGBOK HEAD OF ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE of kicks being a massive element of it. He In terms of his game sense I’d probably (SPEED AND CONDITIONING) has an ability to keep on doing that at summarise it by saying he’s got a sixth The quality you look for first and foremost such a high level throughout the game, sense. You could find someone as fast as he in an international wing is speed, and he’s playing 80 minutes because of the six-two is, who beats defenders, tackles or catches obviously got that in abundance. The GPS forwards-backs split. The third thing about high balls as well as him, but he’s got this units show Makazole is consistently either him is how professional, how diligent he is sixth sense or feel for the game where he the fastest or within the top three among off the field. It’s easy to forget how much ends up influencing it in so many moments. guys like himself, Cheslin Kolbe and Sbu recovery these guys have to do and I can’t Yes, you look at his GPS stats and he’s off the Nkosi. But he has this ability, and this is praise Makazole enough. That’s one reason charts, how much he works in training on where I give the Sharks staff a lot of credit, his growth as an international wing has the field ... a lot of guys do a lot of work for to repeat these top-end speed exposures been so rapid. How fast is he? We tracked no reward; he seems to have that intuitive multiple times. He’s able to generate these him at 10.2, 10.3 metres per second as a decision-making and he’s one of the best in unbelievable speeds within the game – that’s peak velocity for him. Sometimes I think the world at that. The fact that he played the critical thing and that’s probably one he leaves plenty in the tank, but I can flyhalf and centre in his youth would have of his biggest strengths. Makazole’s ability guarantee you that he’s one of the fastest helped massively. When I coach a player to repeat these efforts shows he recovers wings in the world. it’s about creating subconscious images ‘IN TERMS OF HIS GAME SENSE I’D PROBABLY SUMMARISE IT BY SAYING HE’S GOT A SIXTH SENSE’ – DAVID WILLIAMS STEVE HAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS/GALLO IMAGES HAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS/GALLO STEVE

Makazole Mapimpi.indd 30 2020/05/28 1:06 PM of different moments in a game in their minds so that when that moment happens they react to it with the subconscious knowledge in their brain. I think his experiences from different levels and in different positions make that complete package with the physical abilities he has. Why does he score so many tries? We talk about how a game model can create moments for certain players. But once that moment is created the margins can be so small. If you’re one step closer or one step later in catching the ball, the moment closes. That’s what I mean about the sixth sense: a lot of guys will get in close after the game model has created the moments but not quite finish like Mapimpi does. Mzwandile Stick SPRINGBOK ASSISTANT COACH (OFF-THE-BALL AND AERIAL GAME) Makazole is probably one of the fittest rugby players in South Africa, which helps him with his massive work rate on the field. He’s one of the busiest players I’ve seen and I’ve never seen someone with an engine like that. When ‘FROM A MENTAL TOUGHNESS PERSPECTIVE you look at the role he plays, chasing the kicks and getting up for aerial battles – he’s always I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING WIPE HIM OUT’ up there. When you want him to finish he’s always got something in reserve and is one of – LUKHANYO AM the best finishers. If you look at the way we play, especially with our wings, it’s difficult first time. But I understand his background. It also helps that he’s not afraid. If you take because they have to do a lot of chasing of the In the rural areas you’re never taught how to speed and a guy not being afraid you’ve got high ball and defensively they have to come catch a high ball and if you kick the ball your a lethal weapon on the wing in terms of our from the wider channels to make tackles in coach will probably take you off the field. So it defence. In our system a guy comes off the the middle of the field and go back to cover wasn’t that he couldn’t catch the high ball, he line at about six or seven metres per second the outside spaces again. So there’s a lot they was just never exposed to doing it. That was a so he can’t be afraid of that collision. If you do and you won’t find anyone better than discussion before he joined us but I promised make a read at those speeds you might make Makazole at it. A possible explanation of his Rassie Erasmus I’d help him with it, and that tackle at seven to eight metres a second, fitness is if you look at where he comes from because he’s such a good listener and student which makes it a car crash collision and no and the nature of the players you find there. of the game he hasn’t looked back. longer a tackle. So you can’t be afraid. Those guys walk for 10km, if not more, to go to school and back so they’re always in good Jacques Nienaber Lukhanyo Am shape. His ability under the high ball was a SPRINGBOK COACH (DEFENCE) SPRINGBOK CENTRE, SHARKS CAPTAIN question mark when we called him up for the Where we were lucky with our defence was AND HOUSEMATE (MENTALITY) there was parity for all the wings. A guy who There are a lot of factors which make Pimps had 30 Tests under his belt didn’t have an a great player, but if I had to point to one edge over a guy with one Test because it was it would have to be his preparation. In the FACT FILE a new system and something that hadn’t been buildup to a game his preparation is spot- coached at any SA franchise. The message on. He works really hard at it and he works Name: Makazole Mapimpi to the guys was: this is completely new, you hard on the recovery side to be in the best Date and place of birth: 26/07/1990, won’t feel comfortable and you have to handle condition he can be on Saturday. He’s self- Height and weight: 1.84m, 90kg the discomfort and failure that comes with it motivated, analyses his games and pushes Position: Wing – but only through failure will you get better himself to be consistent all the time. Obviously at it. That was important for Mapimpi because his life experiences and his upbringing are Points Scored (matches, tries, the biggest thing with him is his ability to factors in his motivation. He’s learned from conversions, penalties and learn and adapt. I don’t know how well he his previous experiences. He knows where total points): did at school but from a rugby perspective he comes from and I think that’s one of the 2014-16: 54-28-3-1-149 he’s a clever guy who will listen, take it all things that motivates him. From a mental 2017: 14-11-0-0-55 in and is a practical learner. The tough thing toughness perspective I’ve never seen anything 2017: 6-7-0-0-0-35 about coaching sometimes is you get a player wipe him out. He always sees the positive side Cheetahs (Pro14) 2017-18: 13-10-0-0-50 who’s unbelievably good but struggles to get in situations. Being a hard worker, he takes the Sharks XV 2018: 1-0-0-0-0 out of his comfort zone. One of his biggest best out of things and works his way back. As Sharks 2018-20: 31-14-0-0-0-70 assets is being out of his comfort zone. But rugby players we play through the pain barrier, SA A 2017: 1-1-0-0-5 his biggest asset is how unbelievably fast he but some players pull out when something’s Springboks 2018-19: 14-14-0-0-70 is, I don’t think even he knows how quick he not right and others push through the pain First-class record: 134-85-3-1-434 is. Because of that, he can make the wrong and still perform consistently. Makazole is Stats supplied by SA Rugby read defensively, turn around and still catch one of those guys, which proves how mentally the guy, something not a lot of wings can do. strong he is.

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GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGESE ENDING 24 startingatNo 10. TheSpringboks had a World Cupwith aplayer younger than made thepointthatnoteamhad won in World Cup playoffs. they’ll tellyou why talentalone isn’t enough As farbackas2018, Rassie Erasmus decision-making especially inkey tournaments, in bigseries and xperience counts coaches and successful 10. Ask the Nos 9and positions like DEBATE CONSISTENTPOSITIONONE BACKINGIN CRUCIALLYTOSET IS WILLEMSE RECEIVE TALENTEDSTORMERS STAR DAMIAN WORDS: BACKPAGEPIX PHOTO:MAIN THE not beavailable in2023.It’s forthisreason at 10 over thenext coupleof years, hemay (who willbe30 inAugust) willprovide cover World CupinFrance. While Elton Jantjies British &IrishLionsin 2021 andatthe2023 is stillyoung enoughto feature againstthe in Japan. the Boks’ successfulWorld Cupcampaign and wiserPollard proved influentialin the AllBlacks. In 2019, of course, anolder side to awinover theeventual champions, big-game management needed to steerhis and bold,Pollard lacked theexperience and short inthe2015 semi-finals. While talented backed Handre Pollard (then21) at10 andfell JON CARDINELLI JON The good news for theBoks isthat Pollard RYANWILKISKY/ continued atnational andfranchise level. be used. Significantly, thatdebate has where andhow thisspecialplayer should to develop their attacking game. speed intheNo 10 channelifthey hoped Africa had to lookto harnessWillemse’s White went asfarto saythat South Beauden Barrett. Former Bokcoach Jake skills to becomeSouth Africa’s answer to Many felttheStormers flyhalf hadthe a long-term project inDamianWillemse. with an eye to thefuture. Nienaber must groom afew alternatives that Erasmus and new headcoachJacques Since then, the debatehasraged about In 2018, theBokcoachesidentified DAMIAN WILLEMSE DAMIAN 2020/06/03 10:43AM 33

DAMIAN WILLEMSE

Forget the social media comments regarding Dobson opted to start Willemse at inside Willemse moved to 15 for the fixture Willemse’s future. It’s been concerning to note centre in the Currie Cup final. A week after against the Sharks in round seven, but that for the majority of his first four years at that, Willemse made his first Test start – at thereafter the Super Rugby tournament was senior level, there has been little consensus fullback – against England at Twickenham. suspended. In late May, though, the Stormers among the coaches as to his best position. A strong performance in that fixture signed and Dobson revealed Willemse made his Stormers debut at appeared to convince Erasmus and others Willemse had been consulted before the the age of 18 in 2017. As that season wore that Willemse should persist at fullback, signing and would be backed at 10. on, the Stormers lost three flyhalves and at least for the 2019 season. He started 10 ‘We are looking forward to giving Damian were forced to back the teenager at No 10 out of 11 games at 15 in the Super Rugby the opportunity to settle at flyhalf, with for the business end of the tournament. tournament before sustaining an injury that Warrick providing his trademark strike threat Willemse gave a good account of himself in jeopardised his selection for the World Cup. from the back.’ the quarter-final against the Chiefs. Later He joined the Boks in Japan midway through Even as questions persisted, the Stormers that year, he started at fullback for Western their campaign – after Jesse Kriel was ruled coach remained emphatic about his belief Province in the Currie Cup final as Robert out – and started one game at fullback Willemse had a ‘massive future at flyhalf’. du Preez was preferred at pivot. against Canada. ‘There has been a lot of emotion and the Du Preez moved to the Sharks before the The truncated 2020 Super Rugby tournament debate about Damian has been a big thing. 2018 season, while Jean-Luc du Plessis – witnessed another change as Dobson backed But if you look at his game analytically next in the flyhalf pecking order – continued Willemse almost exclusively at flyhalf. When – yes, on penalties he doesn’t kick the ball to battle with injuries. Willemse was backed I spoke to the Stormers coach about the as far out as he can and his goal-kicking again at flyhalf and while the Stormers decision, he said Willemse and scrumhalf rate probably isn’t where it should be – but collectively failed to impress, the youngster Herschel Jantjies could become one of the jeepers, you have a kid who is fearless on certainly showed an appetite for top-flight great halfback pairings. He did give the defence and is a great passer. It is up to rugby. There were calls for Willemse to join impression, though, that Willemse was us as the coaches to help him with the Erasmus’ squad preparing for the Test series still a work in progress. game-management stuff.’ against England, but the point about his age ‘Damian’s awareness in the tactical kicking When chatting to the media in early June, and ongoing development was made when and game management departments has grown Willemse said his positional preference was he was allowed to join the SA U20 side for exponentially,’ Dobson said. ‘He’s starting to certainly at flyhalf, but reiterated he had the Junior World Championship. see where the space is in backfield. At times, enjoyed the experience gained from his Erasmus subsequently picked Willemse on he has gone off-piste structurally, but I’ve been time at fullback. the bench for the Test against Argentina in pleased with the way he has been dominating ‘The plan has always been to use me at Durban and introduced him at flyhalf late in territory. He’s much more mature than he was No 10 and 15 ... it has allowed me to grow the contest. Later that year, WP coach John two or three seasons back.’ and to see the game from different angles.’ WILLEMSE AND SCRUMHALF HERSCHEL JANTJIES COULD BECOME ONE OF THE GREAT HALFBACK PAIRINGS GLYN KIRK/GORDON ARONS/RYAN WILKISKY/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO WILKISKY/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY KIRK/GORDON ARONS/RYAN GLYN

SAR272 Damian Willemse.indd 34 2020/06/03 10:43 AM DAMIAN WILLEMSE

Willemse added that former Stormers assistant coach Paul Feeney had always told him to remain patient in the search for consistency at senior level. ‘I don’t think I need any more time to settle in. I have been around world-class players. It is just about how you perform and that you perform week in and week out. ‘I think I have definitely become a better player than I was four years ago. It is all about my consistency.’ Former Bok assistant coach Swys de Bruin had the chance to work with Willemse in 2018 and 2019, and was full of praise for the youngster despite raising a common query. ‘Damian is a brilliant player and I enjoyed coaching him. I just wonder if he isn’t a 12 or 15,’ he told Netwerk24. ‘DAMIAN IS A BRILLIANT PLAYER AND I ENJOYED COACHING HIM. I JUST WONDER IF HE ISN’T A 12 OR 15’ – SWYS DE BRUIN

Indeed, at national level at least, one may wonder where Willemse will be best used in 2020 and beyond. Is there a simple answer to this question, and how much will depend on the Boks’ existing options across the backline? was one of the heroes of the World Cup final and will, injury, be the Boks’ first-choice 15 when Test rugby resumes. The flyhalf cupboard, however, is relatively bare. has blown hot and cold over the past few seasons, while Du Plessis’ career has been stalled by injuries. Apart from Morne Steyn, Jantjies and Willemse are the only local players competing in the Super Rugby tournament who have played flyhalf at international level for any significant period. has enjoyed two brief WILLEMSE’S SUPER RUGBY STARTS BY SEASON opportunities with the Boks. He came off the bench against Argentina in in 2017 and started at fullback against Wales FLYHALF FULLBACK in Washington in 2018. He was backed as the 2017 4 0 Sharks’ first-choice No 10 in 2020 and has 2018 11 0 played with real authority. The alternative is for Erasmus and 2019 1 10 Nienaber to pick up from where they left 2020 5 1 off in Yokohama in November. If Pollard Total 21 11 and Jantjies remain fit, the Boks may get away with two specialist 10s and one or WILLEMSE’S TEST STARTS BY SEASON two utility backs in their squad for much of the season. But if the coaches believe that Willemse is FLYHALF FULLBACK destined to become South Africa’s answer to 2018 0 1 Barrett – who served a lengthy apprenticeship 2019 0 1 as a utility back before receiving the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey in 2016 – Willemse has to Total 0 2 start regularly at No 10 for his franchise.

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SAR272 Damian Willemse.indd 35 2020/06/05 8:05 AM Jon Cardinelli Column.indd36 T TIME ANDCHANGEISOVERDUE THE MODELHAS BEENFLAWED FOR SOME 3 MN CARDINELLI JON E and ultimately a‘commonsense’ approach. Pichot outlinedhisvisionfor aglobalseason an interview withSARugbymag.co.a, Agustin scrap for theWorld Rugby chairmanposition.In history. Themonthbeganwithawellpublicised the mostimportantperiodsinprofessional rugby’s global alignmentandplayer welfare. opportunity for significantlongtermchange for years ahead.Andyet, thiscrisishascreated an may well compromise unionsandclubsinthe been brutalintermsoffinanciallossesandthat positive impactinsomerespects. in mind,perhapstheCovid crisiswillhave a normal circumstances? Probably not.Withthat the practical implementationofaglobalseason. Sanaar have finally cometogether todiscuss May couldbewell remembered as oneof Would theconcepthave beendiscussed under enforced break, theSixNationsand should doduringthispandemic about whatrugby’s movers andshakers to he windsofchange are slowly starting gather strength. Afterallthetalk The fallout has prompting anexpansion thatcouldculminate talk ofCC investing intheSixNationsand the CelticnationsandItaly. There hasbeen a move many inthenorthbelieve willboost bought aminorityshareholding inthePro, same day, private equitycompany CC Capital be seenfor whatitisasmallvictory. Onthe the SixNationsandSanaarinlateMay should for sometimeandchange isoverdue. known tobetrue.Themodelhasbeenflawed its custodianstorealise whatmany have long to askiswhy thegameneededapandemicfor first termattheWorld Rugby helm.Thequestion the basisofwhatwe’ve witnessedduringhis Pichot’s ambitions. fans andstakeholders thatheshared someof won thevote butdidgo outofhisway toassure whether ornot would pressure thoseinpower tomake changes somewhat prophetically thathiscampaign He stressed theneedfor actionandstated That said,perhapsthemeetingbetween It’s easy todismissBeaumont’spromises on WIND he won therace. BillBeaumont HANGE OF weren’t implementedalotsooner. many willstoptoaskwhy thesechanges a redletter day for rugby, althoughI’msure plea from players regarding rest andworkload. teams aswell astheclubsandacknowledge the working towards asolutionthatwillserve theTest World Rugby hasconfirmedthatallinvolved are regarding theschedule ofanew globalseason. and Sanaarteamstoreach anagreement given tothecollective representing the Six Nations changed extensively in ,theentire rugby landscape may have the line.Whennext broadcast dealexpires could lookvery different five orsixyears down into itsfinalphaseandtheRugby Championship time. SuperRugby aswe know itmay bemoving has beenhintingataswing tothenorthfor some It’s aninteresting question.SouthAfricanRugby northern hemisphere. in theSpringboks joiningthecompetitionin

FOLLOW HIMONTWITTERJONCARDINELLI. AND AFORMER SAB SPORTS JORNALIST OFTHEEAR. CARDINELLI ISHIGHBR MEDIA’S CHIEFRGB WRITER When thosegoals are realised itwillbe It willtake timefor ‘theNations’thename Where would thatleave theSanaaralliance? . 2020/06/01 8:43AM

SAN BOTTERILL/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES

WORDS: CRAIG LEWIS MAIN PHOTO: ROGAN WARD/REUTERS AITING GAME IT HAS BEEN A TUMULTUOUS TIME AS SA RUGBY LOOKS TO FIND A WAY BACK FROM UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES

there were any need for a reminder of how rugby as we know it has radically changed due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was provided by World Rugby at the end of May. In an announcement that led some to wonder if the rugby world had gone mad – while even prompting one well-known former coach to describe it as ‘horse manure’ – 10 optional law trials were revealed as plans took shape for the resumption of the game. The trials, which were informed by World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance, were based on a detailed analysis of more than 60 rugby matches and designed to reduce Ithe risk of Covid-19 transmission.

SAR272 Covid-19.indd 38 2020/06/02 11:43 AM SAR272 Covid-19.indd 39 2020/06/02 11:43 AM sporting calendar since World War II,’ a statement read. ‘Although some training and leagues have resumed, there is no clear indication of when sport as we know it will return. EsportSA has been working closely with traditional sports brands over the past few months in efforts to pull traditional sports into the digital realm.’ Quite literally, it was all fun and games. Yet, on the more serious side, it has been an infinitely challenging time for the SA rugby industry as stakeholders sought to cut up to R1.2-billion from the sport’s budget by the end of the year. This was to be achieved principally by the cancellation of competitions (49.7% of savings), cuts in operational budgets (37.3%) and in salary reductions (13%). The Industry Savings Plan was designed by organisations representing SA Rugby, provincial unions, players and rugby industry employees, while players were given the opportunity to cancel their contracts during a three-week window. This clause, though, put strain on local franchises as key players became open to overseas offers. In the aftermath of what became known as ‘transfer deadline day’, Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee said it felt as if he’d gone 12 rounds with legendary boxer Muhammad Ali when World Cup stars such as Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi became the target of overseas clubs. It had also been agreed that the franchises could not engage in counter-offer negotiations or find means to sweeten the deal at a time when as many as 95% of those in the industry had agreed to be ‘all in together’. ‘This has been quite an emotional and difficult time,’ Coetzee said. ‘We told the players that one way or another they’d be doing nothing wrong. It was not like they asked for the escape clause but it was an ‘THIS HAS BEEN QUITE AN EMOTIONAL AND option offered to them, and then it was up to them how to handle it.’ DIFFICULT TIME’ – EDUARD COETZEE Of course, there was also the much- publicised wrangle for WP Rugby to retain Each measure was aimed at reducing ‘I think that’s fantastic; it’s nice, because the services of World Player of the Year cumulative exposure to contact in the it gives us some hope,’ Stormers coach John Pieter-Steph du Toit. It was confirmed he scrum, tackle, ruck and maul. The principle Dobson said in May when hearing the news had exercised the exit clause but he then behind those ideas may have been sound but of New Zealand’s resumption. But he added withdrew his termination notice and accepted they stood in complete contradiction to the another completely understandable sentiment the same salary reduction as his teammates, very nature of rugby. when he smiled and said: ‘We are also as as per the rugby industry's financial impact As it was, the trials were labelled as jealous as vipers.’ plan. Yet, rumours persisted that there was ‘optional’, and New Zealand Rugby moved Mercifully, though, there were signs of hope more to that story. Elsewhere, the Lions quickly to say it didn’t feel the need for any when South Africa moved to lockdown level bid farewell to star hooker Malcolm Marx, of these enforcements in their game as Super three at the start of June, with confirmation before confirming they were exploring the Rugby Aotearoa neared kick-off in mid-June. from the sports ministry that training for legality of his contract cancellation and Ultimately, it was all just a sign of the contact sport could resume once all safety that they retained hope of keeping him crazy times as rugby sought to find its place protocols were presented and approved. in Johannesburg. when sport began to make a long-awaited Competitive action remained out of the It was messy. It was challenging. And it move towards restarting. question, but as if to evidence these different all served as the backdrop to the unexpected New Zealand led the way as its Super Rugby times, it was confirmed the Stormers, Cape impact of the coronavirus, which has shaken teams swept back into action with the virus Cobras cricket team and Cape Town City FC the world to its core. all but eradicated in that country. Soon after, would participate in an Esport event, the first In an exclusive interview with SA Rugby Australia confirmed it would be able to hold in a set of provincial gaming championships. magazine, MyPlayers CEO Eugene Henning a domestic competition of its own from July. ‘The Covid-19 pandemic has caused the explained the overriding purpose of the

From afar, South Africa looked on … most significant disruption to the worldwide industry-wide agreement was to reduce IMAGES NTOMBELA/BACKPAGEPIX/GALLO HAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS/MUZI STEVE

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SAR272 Covid-19.indd 40 2020/06/02 11:43 AM COVID-19 IMPACT

A CALL FOR CHANGE

As a result of an extended and unexpected break from All Blacks on a yearly basis?” These are the things that, and I’m sure they do to an extent, but I’m sure competition, many have taken this time to evaluate we are able to assess in this time.’ many would also agree that we need to have a look and reconsider what changes could and should be Fellow former Springbok and Sharks stalwart at the structure of the game and Super Rugby. Maybe made for the betterment of the game. Stefan Terblanche agreed the game shouldn’t be start in February and finish in May, and make every In a joint statement in May, Sanzaar and the Six afraid of making changes any longer, particularly game one of significance.’ Nations confirmed there had been discussions to highlighting the need for Super Rugby to undergo develop proposals for an aligned global calendar. a streamlined restructuring. Super Rugby and its much-maligned format has ‘It used to be one of the most enjoyable also come under scrutiny from various parties. tournaments to watch and to play in. The speed of Legendary former Springbok captain the game, skill of the players, the intensity, contact told SA Rugby magazine that a period of introspection situations, the defence – it was a real spectacle. could certainly be a good thing. For me it is simple: fewer teams and more quality ‘From an organisational point of view, it has made games. No disrespect to the teams playing in the every rugby organisation in the world understand competition at the moment, but I was no longer what it needs to have, what it can spend and what tuning in every weekend to watch certain teams it should spend. So basically streamline and get as play; it just didn’t appeal to me and I didn’t like efficient as possible. the style of rugby. ‘And then from a tournament’s point of view, ‘Less is more for me; go back to 12 teams, every it shows how hungry people become when there game should count. When Super Rugby started, I kid is nothing to watch. I think we were almost in you not, I couldn’t wait for the weekend – I’d watch all a situation where there was too much to watch, the games even when I was still playing. I could name and now we’ve got the ability to assess that after all the teams, even if I wasn’t supporting them, and a massive break, and ask “what is the right balance? could list all the players. What is the right number of Super Rugby games, ‘There was just so much talent on show, and the the right number of Currie Cup games, and how enjoyment we got watching and playing in it was many times do we want to play the likes of the immense. I want the players to be able to experience

expenditure while also taking into account the saving number in mind and we had to be all possibility of a worst-case scenario where no in it together to get there. Everyone has to ‘FROM THE MOMENT rugby could be played for the rest of 2020. be treated the same.’ ‘There was really only one purpose of Yet, as the Industry Savings Plan came WE WENT INTO all the weeks of negotiation and that was into effect on 1 May, SA Rugby’s CEO, Jurie to make sure the industry’s cost base was Roux, reiterated the focus of the sport had LOCKDOWN WE HAVE reduced enough to get past this crisis if we shifted to those return-to-play plans: ‘From BEEN PREPARING don’t play again this year. We can’t achieve the moment we went into lockdown we have that objective if we have exemptions, then been preparing and workshopping internal INTERNAL GUIDELINES you’ll find that you’re not really saving and guidelines and protocols for return to play achieving what you want to. We had a cost- and to work.’ AND PROTOCOLS FOR RETURN TO PLAY’ – JURIE ROUX Besides Roux making an emotive case for a boost to national morale by the sight of the Springboks running out for the first time since winning the World Cup, he reiterated a plan to ensure safety protocols could be capably enforced once it was confirmed training could recommence from June. ‘This is the news sport has been waiting to hear ... We submitted a comprehensive, staged return-to-play protocols document to the department of sport five weeks ago and we are ready to begin medical screening of players immediately. We will seek further clarity from the department on the application of the guidelines as they apply to contact training. ‘But this is an opportunity for our players to enhance their lockdown training regimes by increasing their fitness work for an eventual return to play.’ And so … the waiting game continues ...

SAR272 Covid-19.indd 41 2020/06/02 11:44 AM Marx.indd 42 2020/05/27 9:45 AM ON

WORDS: JON CARDINELLI MAIN PHOTO:YOUR STEVE HAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS

A NEW ROLE WITH THE SPRINGBOKS AND A CHALLENGING STINT IN JAPAN HAS PUSHED MALCOLM MARX IN A NEW DIRECTION

Marx.indd 43 2020/05/27 9:46 AM MALCOLM MARX

alcolm Marx was the best On the eve of the World Cup playoffs, player in South Africa in Erasmus insisted that Mbonambi and Marx ‘THERE WAS A 2017. He was, without were not rivals and that both had a key role question, the best hooker to play across a contest of 80 minutes. Those BIG FOCUS ON THE in Test rugby. And yet, words proved prophetic, as Mbonambi made a as a regular feature in a set-piece statement in the early stages of the TEAM RATHER THAN struggling Springbok team, World Cup final against England, while Marx INDIVIDUALS AND he was some way from subsequently delivered a telling performance realising his full potential. at the breakdown and in open play to shatter ALL OF US ON THE The 2018 and 2019 seasons forced Marx their resistance. Mand many of the so-called first-choice Most will remember the final for Lukhanyo BENCH HAD TO BE players in the Bok set-up to cultivate a Am and Makazole Mapimpi’s slick interaction more combative mindset. There was more for the first try in the second half. It was READY TO STEP UP’ competition at hooker and Rassie Erasmus Marx, however, who made a telling pass went on to pick for the earlier in the movement to create the space Over six months have passed since the decisive 2019 Rugby Championship clash required for Mapimpi to break down the Boks won the World Cup. Marx still prefers against Argentina. left-hand touchline. to celebrate the collective performance in the final rather than his individual contributions. ‘It’s unfortunate that Bongi had to leave the field early due to a concussion,’ he says. WORLD CUP REWIND ‘But as you know, there was a big focus on the team rather than individuals and all of us Apart from keeping himself fit during lockdown, on the bench had to be ready to step up and Malcolm Marx took in some of the classic games fill the void. We all had a great understanding that were shown on TV in the absence of live rugby. of what was required regarding the gameplan While it’s been six months since the Boks won and it was great to see how it all worked out. the World Cup in Japan, none of the players have ‘It’s been a dream of mine to play at a grown tired of watching that final against England World Cup since I watched the Boks win it in in Yokohama. 2007. I’m so grateful when I think about how ‘I was following a few things on social media only a select few are chosen to represent the while I was in Japan, but obviously I didn’t have Springboks. Even fewer, of course, have played access to the channels in South Africa,’ says Marx. in a World Cup final and won the tournament.’ ‘My girlfriend watched that final recently [with Marx joined the Shining Arcs in Japan on commentary from the coaches and players] and a short-term deal after the 2019 World Cup. said it was quite emotional. He was, until recently, based in Urayasu, on ‘I’ll never forget the memories we made at that the outskirts of Tokyo, where the Boks stayed tournament. It’s actually hard to put the feelings before they played New Zealand and England. into words. Everything fell into place. We worked To say 2020 has been a challenging year for incredibly hard and the planning was excellent.’ the 25-year-old would be an understatement.

His time in the was cut short KOTZE/BACKPAGEPIX ROBICHON/CHRIS /HOLLYWOODBETS/FRANCK HAAG STEVE

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Marx.indd 44 2020/05/27 9:46 AM LIONS LIGHT ON HEAVIES

In mid-May, the Lions announced they had released four players from their contracts – including Malcom Marx – as part of a necessary cost-cutting strategy. Yet, it then emerged that the Lions actually remained in talks with the 25-year-old, and were cautiously optimistic about possibly finding a way to avoid bidding farewell to the World Cup star. At the beginning of June it remained to be seen if Marx would be leaving, and if so, the departure of yet another Springbok certainly wouldn’t help the cause of a side that’s lost more than 30 Super Rugby players since the end of the 2016 season. The loss of so many senior forwards has compromised the Lions in key areas such as the set pieces, collisions and rucks, which is also where Marx features prominently.

when authorities suspended the tournament When SA Rugby magazine spoke to Marx due to the Covid-19 outbreak. In late March, in early April, he was positive the situation Marx – as well as several other South African would improve and that the stranded group SHORTLY AFTER players and coaches – were left stranded would be back in South Africa by mid-April. RETURNING TO at the airport when Japan tightened its Unfortunately, they were only able to make restrictions on international travel. Some their way back home 32 days later. SOUTH AFRICA, Japan-based players, like and ‘We knew the only way we were going Jesse Kriel, secured a last-minute flight home to get back was via a repatriation flight. IT WAS BELIEVED via Ethiopia. But the rest of the contingent It took some time to organise,’ the Bok was left to wonder when they would see hooker says. ’There were quite a few South MARX’S SIX-YEAR their families again. Africans in Japan, apart from the coaches ASSOCIATION WITH and players like myself, who LIONS DEPARTURES SINCE 2016 (FORWARDS) were looking to get home. THE LIONS HAD It was pretty exciting for all of us when we finally COME TO AN END POSITION DESTINATION boarded the flight and Flank Leicester (2020) realised we were on our Malcolm Marx* Hooker Unconfirmed (2020) way home. I got back on and three other Lions players were set to 6 May and spent a few days leave the Johannesburg-based side as a 21-day Ruan Vermaak Lock Unconfirmed (2020) at a hotel in quarantine. contractual exit window closed in mid-May. At Jacobie Adriaanse Prop Retired (2019) The following week, I was that time, Marx had yet to confirm his next tested and then sent home. move, but rumours then followed to suggest Hooker Unconfirmed (2019) ‘It feels great to be back he could end up staying at the Lions after all. Lock Bulls (2019) in my own country again. What we do know for certain is that Marx Corne Fourie Prop Stormers (2019) I realise we’re still in will continue to push for a spot in the Bok lockdown, but it’s great team. Like most of the players who won the Lock Shining Arcs (2019) to know that my friends World Cup, he wants to feature in the series * Lock Harlequins (2019) and family are close by.’ against the British & Irish Lions in 2021. Danie Mienie Prop Rovigo (2019) Marx planned to finish ‘It’s not like I view that World Cup victory the season in Japan and as the end,’ he says. ‘I have to keep working * Flank Yamaha Jubilo (2019) rejoin the Lions in June. and know that there will always be a different * Prop Gloucester (2018) The Covid-19 crisis has hit challenge. We don’t know when the season will Jaco Kriel** Flank Gloucester (2018) the local franchises hard, resume or when we will get together to train however, and some were again. In the meantime we’ve got to make the * Hooker Sale Sharks (2018) forced to make difficult most of it and stay positive. Prop Bath (2018) decisions regarding the ‘The Lions series is a goal I’ve set for Flank Gloucester (2017) release of top personnel. myself,’ he adds. ‘I realise I’ll need to tick a Shortly after returning to few boxes along the way, to perform at club * Lock Gloucester (2017) South Africa, it was believed level and earn the right to represent the Boks Warwick Tecklenburg Flank Retired (2016) Marx’s six-year association again. I’ll never take that for granted. If I get *Springbok **Has since returned to the Lions with the Lions had come the chance, I’ll have to show why I deserve it to an end. The Bok hooker every single game.’

Marx.indd 45 2020/06/03 8:01 AM SAR covid .indd 46 46 COVID-19 RELIEF 2020/05/28 9:31AM

GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES SAR covid .indd 47

GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES NO HALF MEASURES IN A TIME OF NEED,OF RUGBYCOMMUNITYTIME THE HAS A IN STEPPED UP TO AID A HOSTWORTHYA CAUSESOF AID TO STEPPED UP A they tellyou things you cannotimagine.’ speak, they communicatewiththe eyes and you see theireyes ...even ifpatients cannot savage thanthe All Blacks or England. ‘When international, now facingsomethingfarmore three mainhospitals. now drives anambulancebetween the city’s medicine to elderlypeople in Parma and a volunteer ambulancedriver. colours forahazmatsuitandworks as rugby inlimbo,he’s swapped theAzzurri countries in theworld. With international patients inItaly, oneof theworst-affected himself to the causeof helping coronavirus the heavylifting. oxygen tanks andisthego-to manfor MAIN PHOTO:MAIN WORDS: ‘The agenda isdeath,’ says the20- Mbanda beganby providing foodand This is because Mbandahasdedicated CLINTONVAN BERG DER s oneof ’s looseforwards, Maxime Mbanda’s jobisto bash his way through defenders and create asmuchchaoshecan. E switch, usinghisnatural strength to carrypatients or lift themfrom wheelchairs. The forward lugs Nowadays, he’s flippedthe COVID-19 RELIEF R LOMBARD/GALLOR IMAGES 2020/05/28 9:31AM

47 COVID-19 RELIEF

delivered groceries to struggling residents of THE RUGBY WORLD AT LARGE HAS BEEN Gxulu, the village where the MAGNIFICENT IN DEMONSTRATING ITS former rugby stars grew up. They even roped in their mum, Sheila, to drop food off at the SENSE OF COMMUNITY houses of locals who all admired how Odwa, the chairman of the foundation, and Akona Mbanda is a shining example of rugby’s Closer to home, the fight has been led turned their lives around through rugby. enduring brotherhood; fierce when it matters, by a man accustomed to the frontline: Siya As ever, the SA Rugby Legends Association but fraternal and friendly beyond the game’s Kolisi, South Africa’s impressive captain. also mucked in, led by its charismatic traditional duties. Having grown up in an impoverished president Gavin Varejes, who was spotted Rugby might have been torn asunder by community, he knows better than most the loading grocery trolleys for delivery to the pandemic, with the tremors sure to be challenges wrought by hardship. He accelerated needy township residents. felt beyond 2020, but many of its more the launch of the Kolisi Foundation, initially He and several prominent rugby figures, pragmatic and generous constituents have established to help underprivileged children, among them Elton Jantjies and Stefan opted to help rather than carp. For all its and switched the focus to providing personal Terblanche, work tirelessly to help make a troubles, the rugby world at large has been protective gear to the Livingstone Hospital difference. The lockdown has brought misery magnificent in demonstrating its sense of in Port Elizabeth and Khayelitsha Hospital in to those who live on the breadline but the community and what South Africans call Cape Town. His foundation also helped Groote efforts of Varejes and his colleagues provide Ubuntu, an Nguni word meaning ‘humanity’. Schuur Hospital, sending 1 000 face masks a ray of light to many trapped in poverty. , the recently departed to the unit where his son Nicholas was born Their good work abounds. Stormers centre, generously gave up his flat prematurely in 2014. Another generous gesture was provided in for a doctor treating coronavirus Pictures of Kolisi handing out hand sanitiser, by former Sharks and Stormers lock Wayne patients. After flying home, the qualified face masks and food parcels to locals in Zwide Boardman, who started the noble One Cup doctor volunteered his skills to the National flashed across CNN, reflecting his common of Pap initiative, a feeding project aimed Health Service. touch and sense of humanity. If anyone ever at donating food, clothes, toys and books ‘The first emotion is one of sadness, doubted him, these clips served to underline to the less fortunate across Johannesburg. seeing the scale of the thing,’ he told his decency and philanthropic spirit. What began with his dad and domestic the Telegraph. ‘There could be hundreds, ‘If you have a little bit more than another, worker, a casual plan to put money together to thousands of patients there, and that this is the time to show your human spirit,’ feed at least one family in need, has barrelled is planning for the worst. In the same he said. ‘We are only going to win this if into something far bigger. One cup of pap and breath, it is a great show of teamwork everybody wins.’ a sachet of soup has exploded to two tonnes and of what the health service can do, This is evidently a leitmotif shared by the of pap, between 500 and 1 000 loaves of bread, which is saving lives.’ big-hearted Ndungane twins, whose foundation one tonne of polony, plus soup and tinned food per week, the initial R250 budget having ballooned to R80 000 weekly. This is thanks to donations and a rugby- heavy logistics and distribution team, which includes former Springbok scrumhalf David von Hoesslin, 1995 World Cup winner , 2007 World Cup captain John Smit and current World Cup champion . Stronger together, indeed. Several struggling communities have been supplied with food, including groups of waste pickers and homeless people who live rough along Braamfontein Spruit. It’s a theme picked up by rugby across the length and breadth of South Africa. Indeed, the Vusa Rugby Academy in the Cape has

SAR covid .indd 48 2020/05/28 9:31 AM a team in Langa working with schools to ensure feeding remains safe and that social distancing is maintained. Food is sometimes delivered directly to children’s homes. The Springboks also created a clever campaign allied to the winning 32-12 World Cup final scoreline, asking for R32.12 pledges, with proceeds going to Food Forward SA and Gift of the Givers. The World Cup squad put up cherished mementos to be raffled, including a Bok jersey used in Kolisi’s memorable World Cup journey and even a RWC trophy tour for one lucky winner. Suitably, there were 44 prizes (32 + 12) for the 44-day campaign, which aims to collect R3.212-million, of course, for food parcels and soup kitchens. As gestures go, this one was world WORLD RUGBY CHIPS IN championship quality. With rugby’s financial standing rockier than ever, advances and loans, while World Rugby is also THE SPRINGBOKS World Rugby stepped in to support nations through committed to supporting emerging nations and the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic, regional associations. CREATED A CLEVER announcing a R1.8-billion relief fund. Indeed, Australian rugby, on the brink at the end The relief fund is available for unions requiring of March, was boosted by a R168-million fillup that CAMPAIGN ALLIED immediate help, providing they meet the appropriate ought to keep the wolf from the door – for now. TO THE WINNING criteria. It was designed to assist as many unions as Significantly, there were also major budget cuts possible for as long as possible while there is no rugby in South Africa and New Zealand rugby thanks to 32-12 WORLD CUP being played. For Six Nations and Sanzaar unions, the brutal effects of the coronavirus on rugby’s FINAL SCORELINE the financial package involves a combination of fragile economy.

Social media has also been awash with thoughtful gestures by rugby players. Via Instagram, Cheslin Kolbe raffled off a pair of boots he wore at the World Cup. , meanwhile, teamed up with the SA Red Cross and delivered food parcels to impoverished communities on behalf of his foundation. He also teamed up with a health mask manufacturer, with some proceeds going to his foundation which, in turn, assists vulnerable communities. At the end of May, the legendary former Bok wing also conducted the handover of a R40 000 donation to Food Forward as the important work continued. Staggeringly, there was the effort of quadriplegic former player Ed Jackson, who scaled the height of Mount Everest (8 848m) by hauling himself up and down the stairs of his parents’ house to raise more than R900 000 for the NHS. It took him four days to climb 5 566 flights of stairs with 89 058 steps on one working leg for 12 hours a day. Former Wales captain Ryan Jones did yeoman work, throwing himself into several fundraising challenges to raise money for NHS staff in Wales. He ran a full marathon in his garden and launched ‘Ryan’s 100 for 100’, which involved 100 people each aiming to raise R2 250 by cycling 100 miles at home on a static bike. Wales’ all-time leading try-scorer completed three 12-hour cycling shifts over seven days for charity. No half- measures for the pint-sized hero: he cranked out an impressive 1 245km. How could he not? He always had impressive legs. Plus he had 2018 Tour de France winner

SUPPLIED/BRETT PHIBBS/GEOFF CADDICK/WARREN LITTLE/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES LITTLE/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO CADDICK/WARREN PHIBBS/GEOFF SUPPLIED/BRETT Geraint Thomas alongside.

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SAR covid .indd 49 2020/05/28 9:31 AM MARCELL COETZEE WILL DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO TACKLE LION-HEARTEDTHE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS WITH THE SPRINGBOKS IN 2021

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CRAIG LEWIS SPRINGBOKWILLEM LOOCK/BACKPAGEPIX

Coetzee.indd 50 2020/05/28 12:46 PM MARCELL COETZEE WILL DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO TACKLE THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS WITH THE SPRINGBOKS IN 2021

Coetzee.indd 51 2020/05/28 12:46 PM arcell Coetzee mid-May, the sounds of birdlife served as found himself a backing track to the interview, while we in a fortunate were briefly interrupted by the arrival of position during some passing impala. For his teammates the period and friends at Irish club Ulster, Coetzee of lockdown. also put together a few video clips of his With European life in lockdown, which involved some competition extraordinary sightings of lions. There was placed on hold also an element of irony to those videos, due to the considering Coetzee hopes he will be in a coronavirus position to face Lions of a different variety outbreak, next year when the revered British & Irish the Springbok found a home in the South touring team heads to South Africa. African bush with his wife Chanelle. It again speaks to the fact Coetzee is a warm-up game against Argentina last year, Based at a guesthouse in Marloth Park, player of conviction and courage. When we to end his hopes of earning a ticket to Japan. which borders the Kruger National Park, his last chatted to the dynamic loose forward, The 29-year-old reflects wistfully on that daily routine included morning runs in the he opened up about overcoming serious match, in which he received a blow to the bush and regular interactions with wildlife, injuries that threatened to force him into head and an ankle injury that ultimately while some of the local community donated early retirement. Yet he resolutely refused required surgical repair. equipment to be used for his gym work. to succumb to these setbacks and fought ‘Yeah, that was demoralising. It was an When SA Rugby magazine caught up his way back into the Springbok squad, only opportunity to show the coaches and country with Coetzee via a Zoom video chat in for another injury, sustained in a World Cup what I could do and how much I wanted to be in Japan. But it wasn’t meant to be, I fell awkwardly and heard my ankle snap. I didn’t want to go off the field because I’d worked so hard to get there and this simple bit of misfortune was going to end my dream. ‘But time heals all wounds and I quickly went from being a player to becoming a Springbok supporter. It was amazing to see them go all the way to win the World Cup. Of course, it was difficult to be so close to the squad and then to not be able to be there as a player, but I just had to tell myself to be happy as a South African and that it wasn’t about me as an individual, which is what the Springboks are all about.’ It’s this ability to view the glass half-full that has enabled Coetzee to bounce back time and time again from troublesome injuries, while the taste of Test rugby in 2019 reignited his desire to keep pushing forward. When the abrasive back rower came off the bench in win over the Wallabies on 20 July 2019, it marked a return to Springbok action after a near four- year absence. He looks back on his recall to the national side and the opportunity to pull on the green and gold jersey once again as nothing but a blessing. ‘I was really surprised when I got the call-up. We’d just finished our season with Ulster and had come back to South Africa for a holiday. I hadn’t heard anything from the Springboks and thought they were just ‘TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS, AND I QUICKLY WENT FROM BEING A PLAYER TO BECOMING A SPRINGBOK SUPPORTER’

Coetzee.indd 52 2020/05/28 12:46 PM MARCELL COETZEE

backing the guys they had, which would have been totally understandable. Literally, ‘WHEN I THOUGHT the night before I was due to go back to ABOUT MY GOALS AND Belfast, I got the call from Rassie Erasmus. I was having a braai and I could barely believe THE NEXT BIG THING it. It was phenomenal to suddenly be part of the mix again and be with mates who I’d TO CHASE, THE LIONS played a lot of rugby with and against. ‘Then when I saw my name in the team TOUR IMMEDIATELY again and knew I was going to get a chance SPRUNG TO MIND’ to play off the bench against the Wallabies, it was emotional. A year before that, I thought what he wanted to achieve, which was to my rugby career might have been at an end win the Rugby Championship and World Cup. because of the injury misfortune I’d had Everyone was on board, the preparation was and I couldn’t get any rhythm going. It just intense and all in all, you knew exactly where reminded me to never give up, though, and you stood and where the team was going. I found myself thinking about all the people ‘Even though I was unable to go to the who had helped me get back to that point. World Cup, I was confident the Boks were In that Test against Australia, I played about capable of winning it,’ Coetzee says. ‘They 15 minutes off the bench, and enjoyed every had all the hunger and motivation, and a second of it and tried to make the most of really strong squad of players and leadership. the opportunity. It was surreal to experience I just knew that if the group stuck together playing for the Boks again after all that time.’ and built momentum, they would be a real Although Coetzee’s World Cup dream was force. Ultimately they showed their character dashed, his brief experience in a rejuvenated and resilience to go all the way after losing to Springbok set-up reminded him of why he the All Blacks in the first game and I couldn’t had worked so hard to keep his career alive. have been prouder.’ ‘When I think back to that time, the first Even while the World Cup was on the go, word that comes to mind is ‘unity’ within the Coetzee returned to action for Ulster and team. Coming from the outside it was amazing remained on standby for the Springboks to see how everyone gelled with guys from should there have been an injury in the different provinces and others from overseas. loose trio. Yet, while undergoing his post- I hadn’t been part of the mix for long but operation rehabilitation, there was also just felt so at ease and the set-up was so time for some valuable introspection. professional. Rassie made it abundantly clear ‘After missing out on the World Cup, I sat down and did some soul-searching, having accepted that door had closed. So when I thought about my goals and the MARCELL COETZEE ON ... next big thing to chase, the Lions tour immediately sprung to mind. It remains Coping in the absence of action my goal to make it into the Bok squad for ‘It has provided an opportunity to rest the body that series. The Lions tour South Africa only a bit and to get over any niggles. So hopefully every 12 years, so I’ve set out my plans to when we get the green light to play again I’ll be achieve that next goal. ready. The thing I’ve taken out of this is that you ‘The first priority was to get back to my can’t control many things, but the one thing club team and ensure I continued performing I can control is my attitude. So I wanted to tackle well, because then everything else should fall this unexpected break in the best way possible, in place. Putting the World Cup disappointment physically and mentally. We have that time now behind me, I realised there are other things to to think about these things and what would put achieve and there is time to take the small me in the best space when competition resumes.’ steps towards the long-term goal of that Lions series. It keeps me motivated.’ What he could add to the boks Another curveball has been thrown by the ‘At the moment South African rugby is blessed unprecedented lockdown that left the game in with phenomenal loose forwards playing in this uncharted territory. But with the opportunity country and overseas. There are lots of guys to once again reflect, and this time in the stepping up, so it’s all about what the coaches serenity of the bush, Coetzee – as ever – are looking for. With regard to my game, it’s about maintains a positive outlook. constantly working on any weaknesses. What I’ve ‘I’m fortunate we have acres of land always loved is the confrontational part of rugby, here, so I’ve been able to keep quite fit the collisions and breakdown, defence and so on. and active. It’s been interesting when I’m If the coaches think that can make a difference, on a run and come across a giraffe or there’s hopefully it will go my way. I just want to contribute a baboon looking at you from the trees, but in any way I can if the opportunity comes. Each it’s been so enjoyable to be in the bush,’ he player has something different to offer and if I got chuckles. ‘There is a lot of uncertainty, of the chance to play for the Boks again, it would be course, but the only option is try to remain such a humbling experience.’ as professional as possible and make the best

CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/RAMSEY CARDY/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO CARDY/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY KOTZE/RAMSEY CHRISTIAAN of a very difficult situation.’

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Coetzee.indd 53 2020/05/28 12:46 PM Ox.indd 54 2020/06/03 8:30 AM OX NCHE MADE A DECISIVE CAREER MOVE TO THE SHARKS AND FINDS HIMSELF FIRMLY ON THE SPRINGBOK RADAR

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Ox.indd 55 2020/06/03 8:30 AM ne of the many pleasing things for the table-topping Sharks at the pause of Super Rugby would have been the rich payback they had received from the players head-hunted in the ‘off-season’. Last year coach and chief executive officer Eduard Coetzee agreed on the players they wanted to complement their style of play in Super Rugby in 2020 – a fast-paced, counter- attacking game based on turnover ball won from aggressive contesting of the breakdowns – and openside flank James Venter (Lions), No 8 (Stormers) and loosehead prop Ox Nche (Cheetahs) were brought to the Shark Tank. ‘I FELT THAT AT THIS JUNCTURE IN MY CAREER I WANTED TO BE AMONG WORLD CUP WINNERS’

Venter has been a combative menace at the breakdowns, Notshe superb in his linking play and Nche has revelled in meeting the of the front row) would be ahead of Nche in up at the Sharks this year but one who has challenge of filling the boots of the mighty the No 1 jersey pecking order but, on form, really caught my eye is the guy who replaced – to the extent that he Nche is pressing hard for at least a place on me. Ox has done a great job since coming in has surely played his way back on to the the bench. from the Cheetahs. I love the way he goes Springbok radar. No less a luminary than the Beast himself about his game.’ Nche has a solitary Bok cap – he started has been in awe of Nche’s energetic displays For Nche, replacing Mtawarira was always in the ill-fated friendly against Wales in in Sharks colours, and that is praise to be going to be a beast of a task but he has the Washington in June 2018 – but has played dearly valued. ingredients to be a crowd favourite. At 1.73m no national role since. and Mtawarira, talking to SA Rugby magazine, and 114kg he is just about as wide as he is Trevor Nyakane (who can play both sides said: ‘A lot of players have put their hands tall, resembling an oversized medicine ball, yet he is highly mobile and everybody loves a rotund prop bustling about with the ball, steam-rolling defenders. Of course, that revives memories of another famous prop imported to KZN, , the roly-poly, burger-munching loosehead who was adored by the Kings Park faithful because of his athletic skills at odds with his bodily shape. Born and bred in 24 years ago, Nche’s first name is Retshegofaditswe ... little wonder the user-friendly nickname ‘Ox’ quickly stuck. He was schooled at HTS Louis Botha, an unfashionable rugby school for whom AJ Venter – a famous Cheetahs recruit to the Sharks via the Lions – is their best known product, while other alumni and Oupa Mahoje have also worn the green and gold. Nche amassed 97 caps for the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup, Pro14 and a handful of Super Rugby games, before joining that

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well-worn conveyor belt to the Sharks. Why did he do it? Primarily because he desperately wants OUT OF THE SHADOW to add to that solitary Springbok cap. ‘You watch that World Cup final in Japan Sharks head coach Sean Everitt cannot speak last year and you think: “I want to be there. highly enough of Nche’s contribution to the What can I do differently so that I can be Sharks this season. there? I never want to watch a World Cup ‘Ox came to us with a big shadow to fill and from home again”.’ we have been blown away by the effort he has Moving from Pro14 into the Super Rugby put into the cause. When you combine that with spotlight was the natural move. his natural skills, his contribution has been huge,’ ‘I chose the Sharks because of the way Everitt said. they aimed to play under Sean Everitt and ‘We knew from watching him at the Cheetahs I felt it was not dissimilar to how the that he is an explosive player with a high work rate, Cheetahs play,’ Nche explains. ‘They are unusual pace for a big guy and impressive ball skills the right union for me at this time when – and we saw all of that in the seven rounds of the I am looking for a change of scenery to competition, and then some. I just believe he got give my career a boost. better and better every week.’ ‘I felt that at this juncture in my career During the extended lockdown, Everitt had I wanted to be among World Cup winners, the opportunity to scrutinise every minute of and already I have felt the benefit of that,’ the Sharks’ play this season and the analysis he says. ‘Some might think that guys like has boosted Nche’s reputation. Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am would ‘It is the work off the ball that tells you how be relaxed and comfortable after what they much effort a player is putting in, and when I see achieved at the World Cup but they have Ox sprinting back 50m to see if he can help, even win you games and the focus is heavily on said after some of our sessions: “That was though the try looks certain to be scored, I realise that area. In Super Rugby everybody gets not good enough ... Let’s do it again.”’ this player is giving his all for the jersey. a touch of the ball in what is a more fluid Nche says he learned much in the northern ‘Because of that effort, Ox is one of those and open game. That is the big difference.’ hemisphere and is adding the nuances of the players who has at least one big moment every Nche had a taste of Super Rugby when southern hemisphere approach to rugby. game, whether it is chasing down a backline player he was a teenager. He had played SA Schools ‘For my position and front-row play in from behind to make a telling tackle or sending a in 2012 and 2013; SA U20 in 2015, and was general, the two competitions are different try-making pass out to a backline player. His line fast-tracked into the Cheetahs’ senior side – the Pro14 is massively set-piece oriented,’ he speed on defence is also outstanding.’ only for them to be ditched from Super Rugby says. ‘The belief is that the tight-five forwards During the Sharks’ overseas tour, half an hour when the South African representation was before kick-off against the Hurricanes, tighthead cut to four teams. cried off with illness and Nche The Cheetahs headed north and Nche ‘I HAVE LEARNED had to step up to cover an unfamiliar position. impressed sufficiently to be selected for ‘And he scrummed really well at tighthead, SA A in 2017 and for the disappointing SO MUCH ABOUT showing his versatility,’ Everitt recalls. ‘He is one 22-20 defeat in Washington that marked SET-PIECE PLAY of those happy, obliging team men who is a Rassie Erasmus’ first match as Springbok pleasure to have in your squad.’ coach in 2018. IN THE PRO14’ ‘I am in a better place to deal with Super Rugby now because I have learned so much about set-piece play in the Pro14 and I know what I have to improve on. Super Rugby is a uniquely southern hemisphere competition and I enjoy the rugby. ‘The north is a lot more tactical. You know exactly what they are going to do in a specific part of the field and they will go 25 phases until they break you down or tire you out. ‘In Super Rugby, if something is 50-50 on, you are encouraged to go for it ... I feel like the team in possession is more evasive whereas in the north, they just come at you.’ Shortly before Super Rugby shut down, one of the last tries scored was by Andre Esterhuizen against the Jaguares at Kings Park, but the crowd roared loudest when they saw it was Nche who swung a long pass to free up the centre. Props don’t typically pass like backs, and Nche admits he enjoyed it. ‘There has been growth in my game and that is why I came to the Sharks. Dave Williams is an amazing attack coach. I went to him and said: “This area of my game needs improving” and he replied: “Right, this is how

JOHAN PRETORIOUS/GERHARD DURAAN/STEVE HAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS/GALLO IMAGES/BACKPAGEPIX HAAG/HOLLYWOODBETS/GALLO DURAAN/STEVE JOHAN PRETORIOUS/GERHARD we are going to fix it.”

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Ox.indd 57 2020/06/03 8:30 AM WORDS: JAMIE LYALL MAIN PHOTO: FRANCOIS NEL /GETTY IMAGES AS ANOTHER BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SERIES LOOMS, TWO-TIME WORLD CUP WINNER FRANS STEYN RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA WITH VAST EXPERIENCE

t wasn’t until he laid eyes on John Smit, captain of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning giants, that the importance of what Frans Steyn and his team were facing struck him like a freight train. Steyn was a pup back in 2007, a straggly-haired 20-year-old thrust into the heart of the irrepressible Springboks. He could lash the ball from Pretoria to Cape Town, cut hulking men in two and generally made international rugby look obscenely easy as he became the youngest player in history to get his hands on the . Over a decade later, in the clammy warmth of Yokohama, with a swaggering England lying in wait in the World Cup final, he was the veteran of Rassie Erasmus’ reinvigorated Boks. He saw his old skipper on the touchline and tears began to well up.

SAR272 Frans Steyn.indd 58 2020/06/03 9:46 AM SAR272 Frans Steyn.indd 59 2020/06/03 9:46 AM At 32, he thought his chances of making another World Cup were done, but he was desperate to seize this unlikely opportunity. After months of toil, he became part of the Springboks’ now-famous ‘bomb squad’, the group of brilliant, experienced bench men who would stroll into the starting XVs of many Tier One sides. ‘I’m just lucky there was a role for me,’ he says. ‘I didn’t think I was going to get the chance to play at another World Cup, so I didn’t care if I was going to hold bags – it was about being part of something. And I knew if Rassie was in charge, there would be something special. ‘Even today there is a special bond within the bomb squad. We had a massive influence on the team. It gave the starting players so much calmness because they knew the people coming on – I am not talking about me, because I know I’m not better than Damian ‘I’M JUST LUCKY THERE WAS A ROLE FOR de Allende – but like Malcolm Marx, on any ME. I DIDN’T THINK I WAS GOING TO GET THE given day, if Bongi Mbonambi is a little bit off, he’s going to be better than Bongi, and CHANCE TO PLAY AT ANOTHER WORLD CUP’ the other way around as well. It brought a lot of confidence to the team knowing the ‘On the field before the final, I saw John to see that but that’s not Test rugby, people coming on are world-class.’ Smit and I got emotional because in 2007 where you play to win. In his fascinating social media videos I was young, I didn’t realise what it meant,’ ‘Rassie focused on getting back to South offering a rare window into the team room Steyn recalls. ‘You always think you’ll get Africa’s strengths – we have to scrum well, of the champions, Erasmus talks to his another chance if it doesn’t work out. You we have to maul well, the kicking game players about the need to be warriors, not don’t take it that seriously. I didn’t even became much more of a weapon over the for themselves but for the rainbow nation worry before the final in 2007 – I don’t past two years than everybody wants to they were representing. His skill lay in stress a lot before games, I make jokes make out. Even with expansive rugby, most knitting together a group of men from and all those things – I was sitting next of the top teams in the world, their kicking wildly different backgrounds and cultures, to and he was listening to game is the best in their league.’ uniting them in a common goal. comedy songs before the World Cup final. Steyn got a serious shock when Erasmus ‘If you look at Siya Kolisi, Makazole ‘When I was young, I didn’t think of the rang him last year to discuss a return to the Mapimpi, a lot of guys who came out of real team that much, you just want to prove Test arena. He had spent most of the previous trouble growing up, I think it’s bigger for the yourself, show why you’re there. The last decade in the international wilderness in kids this time, because there are kids in South World Cup, it was more like I don’t need to France with and then Montpellier, Africa who think, ‘‘He was there, I can also do prove anything, I just need to support the and last started a Test in 2012. His only that,’’’ says Steyn. guys around me and do my best – hopefully international outings had come in three ‘It’s bringing people together. Maybe I’m still good enough to do that. cameos against the touring French in 2017. someone is having a hard time in business ‘Most of the players went through the and it gives them hope for another day, bad times so I think it meant so much to another week, another year. them that they weren’t playing around.’ ‘But that talk was more towards the end Before Erasmus arrived and hauled the of the competition. When I joined them Springboks out of the doldrums, they were before the Rugby Championship, there was a shadow of the great South African teams a lot of emphasis on knowing your role in of yore. There were losses to , Wales the gameplan, in the squad, on and off and Argentina, and a heinous defeat by the field. Italy, in two years of brutal failure under ‘Only later in the competition did it start , a coach Steyn describes being about playing for something more. as a thoroughly good bloke trapped in the Rassie couldn’t start with that because wrong movie. he had to build the foundation first. Coetzee’s reign met a messy end in 2018. ‘In South Africa when we lose two, three, That June, Erasmus took over and almost four games, people start saying, “We have immediately delivered more clarity, sharper to play for our country.” He did really well, selection criteria and a gameplan built on maybe thinking the players have been hearing the brawny pillars of South African rugby. that for the past two years. The way he ‘The All Blacks were playing this massive treated us, he was always confident in the expansive game and everybody tried to follow players he had, he never worried – maybe them,’ says Steyn. ‘But we, as nations, are when he went to bed but we never saw that.’ different, we play different rugby and we Amid the joy and chaos of Japan, and the play to our strengths. Wanting to move aftermath of the Boks’ savaging of England, the ball 10 times to the side is not South Steyn enjoyed an uproarious interaction

Africa’s strength. Everybody would love with British royalty. Prince Harry, keen IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO ROGERS/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY CARDY/DAVID SHIVAMBU/RAMSEY SUPPLIED/SAMUEL

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A CHANGING GAME

With the re-election of as World Rugby chairman, talk of a global ‘I am trying to get some of the older players to go back there. The money is calendar and the financial ruin wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic, these feel like the issue but it will be good if we can get some to help. The Cheetahs are playing seminal days for the sport. South Africa sits in a fascinating position – rich beyond against Leinster and Munster, who have a lot of international players and you need measure in talent and love for the game, yet economically feeble. There has long quality and experience to win competitions. been talk of South Africa abandoning the southern hemisphere in favour of the ‘You need that in your team. Even if it’s young guys, they don’t have to be vast wealth and more convenient time zones of the north. internationals, if we can just get people to come to the Cheetahs ... Because ‘A lot of the time, decisions are made that are not best for South African rugby,’ sometimes you get two contracts and you think, ag, it’s the Cheetahs, I’m Steyn says. ‘If there are two New Zealand teams in the Super Rugby final I’d bet not going to go. If we can change that, it’ll be good.’ most of the TV audience for that game are in South Africa, but South Africa gets the least money. ‘People can’t say northern hemisphere rugby is poor. I’ve been playing there for a while and if they come to the north, it will be good for South Africa, and the rugby will be good; it will be tough every week. ‘At the moment, we are losing players. We can’t spend rand against pound, so it’s definitely something to look at. I would go north. ‘I think Rassie will sort it out, though. The best young guys almost always go to the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers. I think with Rassie in charge, things will change, and some younger players will get distributed more evenly through the unions.’ The Cheetahs are still seen in South Africa as less glamorous than the big franchise beasts but Steyn is eager to change that. In Bloemfontein, he will reunite with his close friend and fellow Bok legend and is lobbying for more titans of old to return home. ‘We need to win something. I’m not going there just to roll over and die. We need to build something special that can last a long time. I played there when I was younger and it’s very close to my heart.

to congratulate the South African players, was a violent whopper of a contest, two 12 years. That puts it on another level. And, was fashionably late to the changing room. behemoths pounding blow for blow. Steyn at the moment, England and Ireland have got pon his arrival the bewildered Duke of longs for another crack at the cream of massive teams and massive players. Sussex had an open bottle of lager thrust Britain and Ireland. ‘I’ve been out of South Africa more than into his hand by the bomb squad’s most ‘That second Test in 2009 was crazy, one I’ve been in it during my rugby career. My mischievous member. of the toughest Tests I’ve played,’ he says. wife has been everywhere with me and, for ‘We got into the change room but we ‘ got knocked out by Brian once, I asked her what she wants, what she couldn’t start the celebrations because we O’Driscoll, Bakkies Botha cleaned Adam Jones’ thinks is best, and we have to get our kids had to wait for him,’ says Steyn. ‘So I decided, shoulder off. It’s not going to be fun but it’ll into school. why don’t we give him a beer and let him be good. ‘It’s close to the farm for me, and even if down it because we’ve been waiting for him ‘I don’t know how many guys get to play I can make it to a livestock auction with my for an hour and we just want to have a beer.’ against the ions twice. The great players dad one or two more times, I would really like Pints with the prince and the din of that can make four World Cups, but the ions that. I haven’t been with them on Christmas triumph are over now, although its impact tour to South Africa happens only once in Day since I was 20.’ will resonate through the country long and loud for many years to come. Soon, Steyn will return to the Free State, near the Bethlehem farm where he was raised, and which his parents still tend, to begin a two-year stint with the Cheetahs in Pro1. He wants to be nearer his family and settle his three young children in school, but there is sporting motivation too. Steyn was part of the Bok team that beat the ions in a pulsating series in 2009. The second Test in Pretoria, which South Africa won 28-2, ‘THE LIONS TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA HAPPENS ONLY ONCE IN 12 YEARS. THAT PUTS IT ON ANOTHER LEVEL’

SAR272 Frans Steyn.indd 61 2020/06/03 10:32 AM SAR272 Kade Wolhuter.indd 62 2020/06/04 08:56 WORDS: MARIETTE ADAMS MAIN PHOTO: EJ LANGER/GALLO IMAGES C AFTER A SHORT STINT IN FRANCE, TALENTED FLYHALF KADE WOLHUTER IS DETERMINED TO MAKE A FRESH START AT WP RUGBY

ho is Kade Wolhuter, you might wonder If you think of the hysteria Johan oosen, Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse generated among South African rugby supporters as they progressed through the junior ranks you’ll get an idea of the hopes the cognoscenti have of Wolhuter. Every year the schools rugby system produces a brigade of talent, and much like oosen, Pollard and Willemse in their senior years, Wolhuter was the leader of the pack in 2019. However, unlike those before him, he chose the path less travelled to professional rugby. Wolhuter had not even played Craven Week when it came to light that he had signed a Wcontract with French mega-club Montpellier.

SAR272 Kade Wolhuter.indd 63 2020/06/04 08:56 who tried to persuade them to stay, but to no avail. The big challenge for them now is to see if their personal development is going to be a priority at those overseas clubs.’ For Wolhuter, this wasn’t the case. Fresh from completing his matric exams, the 18-year-old packed his bags and waved goodbye to life in South Africa. But there are extreme challenges when drifting in uncharted waters. Four months into his French adventure, Wolhuter was unceremoniously released from his contract, as were several other South Africans affiliated to the club, ostensibly because Montpellier had to cut costs to counterbalance the financial impact of Covid-19. Regardless, he is back on home soil and committed to rising from young hopeful to star status. But just what made him such a tantalising prospect to the lurking French scouts to begin with and why is his return a tick in the win column for Western Province Rugby in particular The flyhalf came to prominence at Paul Roos, one of South African rugby’s most celebrated institutions. The school’s director of rugby, Ryno Combrinck, who has witnessed Wolhuter’s progression first-hand, states matter-of-factly that the player’s recognition as one of the brightest talents is no exaggeration. ‘At the start of 2018 Kade found himself in a group of special players at Paul Roos. He was barely 17 and did not look out of place among them. He excelled, not only at Paul Roos but also in the “league” and at provincial level. It was therefore surprising that he wasn’t selected for the SA 18s that year or for SA Schools last year,’ he says. ‘Kade has a quality running and kicking game and is comfortable at either 10 or 1. His ability to play in the “lion’s mouth” is more than solid, while his excellent understanding of space means he is a ‘KADE HAS A QUALITY RUNNING AND KICKING lethal attacker out wide. GAME AND IS COMFORTABLE AT EITHER 10 ‘He has a similar approach to the art of kicking as Pat ambie, and OR 15’ – RYNO COMBRINCK Bader Pretorius. Similarly to Kade, they were relentless in honing their kicking skills. But ‘I have always wanted to experience other Many view rugby as a career option, Kade has many arrows in his quiver and what cultures, especially from a rugby point of view, sacrificing education and training in pursuit stood out for me was his desire to achieve and when the opportunity arose for me to of lucrative contracts, ignoring the realities from a young age.’ play in France, I was excited,’ Wolhuter tells of the occupation in which a high number WP Rugby jumped at the opportunity SA Rugby magazine. of players don’t make it. to sign Wolhuter and Stormers coach John Wolhuter wasn’t the only age-grade player When news of Wolhuter’s departure Dobson says he looks forward to working with committing to overseas clubs. A total of 22 hogged the headlines and raised more and helping the teenager fulfil his potential. boys, 18 of them with 2019 provincial Craven than a few eyebrows, a source close to ‘I watched a couple of games when he Week colours, decided to further their careers the national governing body, SA Rugby, played for Paul Roos and I remember feeling in the northern hemisphere. and staunch advocate of schools rugby disappointed that he left. When the message That exodus points to the increasing questioned whether it was the right move. came back that a group of South African globalisation of rugby that has changed the Speaking on condition of anonymity, youngsters weren’t happy at Montpellier, we way the sport is viewed and engaged by young he told SA Rugby magazine ‘It’s one of the started putting feelers out and asked around athletes. The shift to a more professional more unusual situations at age-grade level. if Kade would be interested in joining us,’ work environment, higher salaries and These kids know they are supremely talented, says Dobson. increased opportunities for youngsters seeking but they are also supremely impatient and ‘He is quite a bright kid and I think employment in this congested workforce has stubborn. They don’t want to bide their time, being in a society where he couldn’t really

altered the way they look, think and behave. they want instant success. There were people engage or study contributed to his return IMAGES OURIE/GALLO PETER HEEGER/CARL

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here. If we’re being honest, it wasn’t all because we wanted him back. There was push and pull.’ Wolhuter is well versed in dealing with expectations and hyperbole. Ever since he entered his teenage years, the flyhalf has been anointed as the chosen one of his generation. Coaches far and wide have long been calling him the ‘real deal’, while the domestic press have already drawn comparisons with ambie. But the youngster is unfazed by it all. ‘I never let labels get to me because at the end of the day they are other people’s opinions. I’m programmed to let it all fly over my head and prefer to rather let my performances on the field do the talking,’ he says confidently. ‘I try my best not to listen to the outside noise or pay attention to the media. It certainly isn’t going to benefit my game YOUTHFUL DEPTH AT 10

Coach John Dobson has emphatically stated that Damian Willemse will be backed as the Stormers’ first-choice flyhalf and despite the departure of Jean-Luc du Plessis, the Cape franchise is well covered at flyhalf. ‘I think we are sorted,’ Dobson says. ‘There are three or four really good youngsters. Obviously ‘I OWE IT TO MYSELF TO MAKE THE MOST Kade has come back from Montpellier, there are OF THIS OPPORTUNITY I’VE BEEN GIVEN two youngsters at Maties – Christopher Schreuder and Mossie Mostert – then there is a guy from AT WP’ – KADE WOLHUTER schoolboy rugby called Sacha Mngomezulu who is coming to us. This buys us time to bring one of but it does have the power to play with your and opportunities to elevate my game. I’d them through. mind so I’d rather ignore it altogether.’ love to play under John Dobson. And for ‘Tim Swiel, who you might remember played for For Wolhuter his premature move abroad the record, I entered into negotiations with the Sharks and Western Province, has come back cost him what should have been the pinnacle WP only when I was back in South Africa to South Africa and will join us via the club system. of his youth career, a place in the 2019 SA and completely released from my contract Abner van Reenen is also very much part of the Schools squad. It also delayed his tertiary with Montpellier.’ group. He is a guy who will be under consideration education he is going to study economic The fact there is a raft of young up-and- to stay on for next year when we finish the science at . He will always be coming flyhalves ahead of him in the pecking contracting process. We haven’t finalised that left to wonder what might have been with order at WP and the Stormers could mean yet, but he is a good player. That gives us a fair regards to SA Schools selection. Wolhuter will be in contention for a senior amount of depth in the position.’ ‘When signing for Montpellier, there were gig only a few years down the line from now. discussions that I had signed away my chances But that doesn’t stop him from setting lofty of playing SA Schools but I had made peace expectations for himself. with that, or at least I thought I had. When ‘The goal I am working towards at the the team was announced and I saw my name moment is to play for WP in their mid- wasn’t on the list, I was disappointed not to week game against the British Irish ions be able to represent my country.’ next year. I’ve learned a lot about myself With the controversy of his SA Schools during those four months in France. I’m non-selection and the failed Montpellier responsible for everything I do and because transfer behind him, Wolhuter wants I don’t have any other talents, I owe it to to focus on the road ahead and redeem myself to make the most of this opportunity himself in the only way he knows how. I’ve been given at WP.’ ‘I received offers from other unions Though relatively small in stature, it goes that I considered before making the without saying that Wolhuter has the physical decision to stay in the Cape and play attributes and skill levels to make it at the for WP, which I am excited about. I felt top. It was, after all, his core qualities – speed, I could grow the most at WP for a number guile, opportunism and strength – which made of reasons, a few being that I’m close to him the best player on show at Craven Week my family and will be in an environment 2019. And if his past performances and praise that I feel I can really develop into a world- are anything to go by, he could well be on the class player because I’ll receive the coaching way to greater things.

SAR272 Kade Wolhuter.indd 65 2020/06/04 08:56 SAR272 New Simcolumn.indd66 66 FOR ONEANDFOR ALL’ PURSUIT RUGBY TAKES PRIDEINBEINGAN ‘ALL R CON W HE their contracts seemedsimpleenough.The to offer theplayers awindow toterminate pay cut. contracts ifthey weren’t keen ontakinga they hadbeenoffered topress ejecton their bespoke interpretation oftheday period on thatideawithwhatcanonly becalleda of community. seamless, given theaforementioned sense is visitinguponthegame,would bepretty the financialdamage thecoronavirus outbreak players would take apay cuttohelpmitigate game’s recent collective bargain, inwhichthe an ‘allfor oneandfor all’pursuit. another day. of colourorcreed thelastbitisastoryfor game whichdoesn’tdiscriminate onaccount it beingagamefor allshapesandsies and a without themmistingupandprattling onabout The rulesgoverning thegame’sdecision But several leadingplayers putthekybosh This iswhy mostwould have thoughtthe Long storyshort,rugby takes prideinbeing a conversation witharugby person of community. point asasportingcodeisitssense ugby likes tobelieve itsuniqueselling don’tgo two minutesinto SA RUGBY’S 21-DAY CONTRACTUAL EXIT WINDOW DIDN’T LEAVE A GOOD LOOK RUGBY’SGOOD LEAVE21-DAYSA A DIDN’T WINDOW CONTRACTUALEXIT OMPLEX

to acontract extension thathadyet tokick was intalks tostay becausehehadagreed telephone directory figures, andthenext he One minutehewas Japanboundfor alleged at theLionswas anothercomplex scenario. salary reduction solidarity. under scrutiny from hiscolleaguesobservingthe as aplayer’s player won’t, atthevery least,come in theway heplays, onewonders ifhisperception not having taken assignificantpay cut. stream thatwill,inalllikelihood, translate into or But whilethatdoesn’tconstituteanincrease image that route before recommitting, separating his there have beenafew versions for why no intentionofleaving CapeTown. contract withWestern Province despitehaving theory ofallplayers beingequalby cancelling his the ear PieterStephduToit was firsttotestthe salary increase orbonus’. be overseas nobodywould get a‘discretionary better elsewhere butthat‘elsewhere’ hadto players coulddoitifthey felt they coulddo a bonus,itdoesmeananunexplored income Springbok hooker MalcolmMarx’ssituation As someonewithareputation for selflessness From themany By thelooks ofit,World andSA Rugby Player of rights from hissalaryremained consistent. explanations thathave emerged BUINE he went from. Butit’snotexactly agood look. is understandablewhere the players are coming they whodidn’twant tohonourthecontracts, it an eyelid iftheroles were reversed anditwas would only earnapercentage ofreduced salaries. were notincludedinthepay cut,meaningthey extension, theirs,especially seeingtheirfees want tolookaftertheirclients’money and,by financial wiggleroom isfair enoughthey Lions reportedly matching Province’s offer. suitors becamewisetoitasdidwiththe against eachothertothepointwhere his his franchise, theSharks andWestern Province Park hadasmuchtodowithhimtryingplay youngster Wandisile Simelanestaying atEllis kicked inyet. able totake apay cutfrom adealthathasn’t decision would bebasedonhimalsonotbeing he doesstay, onewonders how muchofthat exactly cancelacontract thathadn’tbegun.If happened buttheLionsreckoned hecouldn’t the day period. in before heoptedfor theoverseas dealduring FOLLOW HIMONTWITTERSIMABANISA. THE SAB SPORTS COLMNIST OFTHEEAR. ABANISA ISAFREELANCESPORTS WRITERAND Given thattheprovincial unionswouldn’t bat The player agents’ motives for lookingfor A Sharks insiderclaimedthatgiftedLions Again, there are different versions astowhat 2020/06/04 08:04

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subs2NEW.indd 65 2020/06/04 12:44 PM NEWLANDS STADIUM WILL BE REMEMBERED AS ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC GROUNDS IN SA RUGBY FONDWORDS: DYLAN JACK FAREWELL MAIN PHOTO: GRANT PITCHER/GALLO IMAGES

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Newlands.indd 69 2020/06/02 8:30 AM he Stormers will bid farewell (Former Stormers wing) to Newlands, one of the oldest Living on a farm, I never got the opportunity ‘IT FELT LIKE stadiums in the world, when they to go to Newlands as a young kid, although move to the modern Cape Town I was a Western Province fan for many years. A HOLY GROUND Stadium in 2021. Although the Newlands is a special place. It really was an final year of action at Newlands idolised stadium for me since I was a young – IF I CAN CALL IT was disrupted by the coronavirus, boy. The first time I went to Newlands there is no shortage of fond was when I was 18 years old and at Maties. THAT … I WAS IN memories of this iconic ground. I played my first game there. Walking into a ECSTASY PLAYING place like that was overwhelming in terms of JOHN DOBSON (Stormers coach) the history of the place. It has a reputation AT THIS PLACE’ – I first went to Newlands to watch the Western of being such a wonderful ground for Western Province vs All Blacks in 1976, which I think Province over the years and I certainly took BREYTON PAULSE Province won. Morne du Plessis was the note of that. It felt like a holy ground – if captain. I can’t remember who scored the I can call it that. That game went by in a before. I remember that day so clearly, driving try in the corner but it was a great occasion. blur, because I was in ecstasy playing at this to Newlands and being able to walk on the The crowd ran on to the field and carried place, even though there weren’t very many field. Obviously we were barefoot and you the Province guys off. I was only about six people there. That experience inspired me to felt like you were floating on the grass. It or seven years old. At the time, there were want more. Having grown up on a farm and was amazing. I think back to my first try at other stadiums like it but because Newlands playing mostly on sandy fields, Newlands felt Newlands: it was against the Blues in 2015 never changed, what stood out more and like carpet. I suppose there will never be a and it was a special moment. I have been more was how great the crowd was. It was right or wrong time to move. It is inevitable, lucky to be involved in a number of north- an organic ground, it was never purpose- as much as us old toppies have sentimental south derbies and those are always great. The built or rebuilt, it has just been tweaked and emotional value attached to Newlands, Stormers vs Chiefs game in 2017 was crazy. over the years. Even if you go to Newlands I understand the modern-day pressures of Even last year, the Stormers vs as a youngster, there is a massive sense of financing. At the same time, it is not easy game, when we were coming down Boundary history. It is overwhelming. I was a ballboy to see a place abandoned, but I understand Road on the bus, I don’t think I have ever there for the 1980 Lions Test and the ’81 the implications of the financial trouble seen so many people waiting for us to get off Test against Ireland. Carrying on sand for when it comes to sport these days. At least the bus and into the change room. The fans the kicker was pretty special. Also what we as the old guard have the memories we see us for about five seconds but I remember was quite funny was that the ball would can think back to for the rest of our lives. getting off the bus, taking off my earphones go into the crowd and you would ask for We can only say thanks for that. and the people were going mad, screaming, it back but it was very rare that you shouting and waving flags. I could not believe would get it. At the time I was too young DILLYN LEYDS (Former Stormers fullback) it. It is going to be sad to see Newlands go. to appreciate that the South Stand was I have made it no secret to my family that It would have been amazing if we could have segregated. To a youngster, it is just one one of my biggest dreams was to run out at continued doing well in the 2020 campaign big crowd. My dad refereed there and I went Newlands and play alongside my brother. It and got a home quarter-final or semi-final there pretty much every Saturday. The Cape was really tough to leave. Especially having to get Newlands as full as possible. Town stadium is magnificent, but if you asked grown up in Cape Town with a rugby-mad what’s the difference between Cape Town and family. I used to watch my dad and uncle (Former Stormers hooker) the FNB stadium, they are much the same, play club rugby in Strand every weekend. I can remember when they used to have a FNB is a little bigger but at both the seats are My primary school won a competition to scholar section in the stands. You actually tiered as opposed to the ‘on top of each other’ play at Newlands during half-time of one had to walk on to the pitch to get to your feeling of Newlands. of the games and I couldn’t sleep the night seat on the Railway Stand and it was

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unbelievable. I can remember watching in 1997 playing for Western Province against Free State. So my history with Newlands has come a long way. My first game there was for Paul Roos against Boland Landbou. I remember watching a massive game between England and New Zealand at the 1995 World Cup when Jonah Lomu ran over . My funniest memory was just before a massive game against either the Bulls or Sharks. and were sitting on the one side of me and then three or four seats on was Brian Mujati. We were sitting there and having a chat, everything was extremely serious and everyone was focused. The next moment Brian takes out his mouthguard and his front tooth comes out with it. So now he shows everyone he is missing a front tooth. I started getting the giggles and could not stop laughing. As we ran out on to the field, he kept his mouthguard in and made sure not to smile. We got a good result in the end and with five minutes to go I said please send a message to make Brian Mujati the Man of the Match because he played without a front tooth for the whole match.

SCHALK BURGER (Former Stormers captain) I loved Cape Town and I think I was privileged to start my career here. There are a lot of guys who didn’t have the opportunity to play It was the smell of rugby – the grass and for Western Province and the Stormers like ‘IT WAS THE SMELL the Deep Heat – and the sound of the I did for 14 years. I grew up at Newlands. tackles. The new stadium is a phenomenal My dad played there. My first memory of OF RUGBY – THE facility, there is no doubt. It has a unique rugby is going to watch the captain’s run. atmosphere and there is nothing wrong with Back then they still had a big aluminium GRASS AND THE the new venue. In life, there is heritage and tub and guys like Danie Gerber would come DEEP HEAT – AND history. I am a traditionalist and I have so off and would grab some water and they many good memories at Newlands. You can’t would chuck the cups back at you. They still THE SOUND OF buy that. In life, things are moving so fast had freshly squeezed oranges and things like and it is easy to forget and say that Newlands that. They used to have the most amazing THE TACKLES’ – is compromised and it is difficult to get to. scholars seats, right in front – almost where That is the price you pay to sit in one of the the bench would sit now. SCHALK BURGER legendary grounds of rugby. THINUS MARITZ/GRANT PITCHER/GALLO IMAGES THINUS MARITZ/GRANT PITCHER/GALLO

Newlands.indd 71 2020/06/02 8:30 AM INTERVIEW: RYAN VREDE WAYLON MURRAY

MAIN PHOTO:GALLO MICHAEL IMAGES SHEEHAN/ G LAES FORMER SPRINGBOK MIDFIELDER WAYLON MURRAY HAS STARTED A VIDEO PODCAST WITH GLOBAL POTENTIAL

n my 14-year career, I haven’t His newfound passion as the host found a more engaging interview of a video podcast on Instagram, with subject than Waylon Murray. the episodes later uploaded to YouTube, Even as a young player for is what interests me most, though. His the Sharks and Springboks, he conversations with world-class athletes had high levels of emotional – Chad le Clos and Beast Mtawarira intelligence which made for among them – coaches and sports media fascinating conversations. As personalities are captivating, insightful a journalist I knew I had to and educational in equal measure. be prepared to spar with him, Murray is following a path down which but this always happened from an increasing number of current and a place of mutual respect. former pro athletes are venturing. Some His dedication to his craft, knowledge don’t have all the tools to make it work. of the game and care for people gave me Murray does, and while his podcast may the sense he’d be a great coach post be in its infancy, the potential is massive. retirement. He still may be, but right now I sat down to speak to him about this he is sharing his expertise with students new venture, as well as his experience at Westville as the director of sport. of the rugby media at large.

SAR Open side .indd 72 2020/06/04 09:30 SAR Open side .indd 73 2020/06/04 09:30 Before we jump into what you’re doing with video podcasts, let’s chat about your relationship with the media during your career ... As a young player, I read all the articles to see what people thought of me. If something bad was written, it would be tense when I saw the writer again. It would definitely affect me. Then one day [former Sharks loose forward] Warren Britz told me to stop reading those pieces because whether there was glowing praise or harsh criticism, it didn’t matter. As players we know when we’ve played well or poorly. We don’t need anyone to tell us. So I stopped doing that and as I became more emotionally mature I developed more understanding of the journalism profession and had respect for journalists.

What was your experience of the level of professionalism journalists exhibited? We’ve spoken before about how important it is for pro athletes, who sacrifice a chunk of their lives to their craft, to be met What do players wish journalists asked When you look at sport as a product in the with the same level of professionalism them more and which topics do they US, and how the sports media operates, from the media. For most of my career prefer to avoid? how do you feel about our landscape? there was a mismatch in this context. I understand the importance of analysing It’s a great package in the US. Most players This created an uneasiness because a performance and the technical side of the are not afraid to speak their minds because players weren’t always certain their game, but I wish they’d ask more questions they trust journalists to convey the message words would translate in the ways they that reveal players’ humanity. That will give they intend. If that doesn’t happen, there intended. When there is professionalism, people more insight into who the players are serious consequences for those journalists. integrity and trust, it makes things a really are, as opposed to focusing on aspects Sports media personalities aren’t afraid to ask lot better. That isn’t to say there aren’t of what they do. I would have loved to speak the hard questions and are usually incredibly journalists who embody that; there about mental health and general wellbeing, well prepared and knowledgeable to go with certainly are. And you’ll find those guys or what types of leadership styles resonated decades of experience in professional sport, are highly respected among the players. with me; those sorts of topics. which gives weight to their opinions. This makes for a great viewing experience. In SA, players are pretty conservative. There are numerous reasons for this, primarily the trust issues I mentioned earlier. During the pandemic more of them started to find their voice, which is great and should continue.

How important is it that journalists have a deep understanding about all aspects of the game, especially the technical dimensions? Very important. If a journalists is critical of you for whatever reason, it’s easier to take if their opinion is underpinned by a deep understanding of the game. You don’t have to agree with them, but at least you can see their point of view, and for the players who are emotionally mature enough, engage them in a productive debate without letting your emotion cloud the conversation. The media personalities in the US bear witness to this. They come in with a deep understanding of the game, know the history of the topic they’re discussing, are aware of the trends and therefore speak from a position of power.

What about the old line peddled by many players, that if you haven’t played the game at a pro level, your views on it are not legitimate? That is such nonsense. Absolutely bogus.

Of course there are players who think like IMAGES RAHMAN/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO SHEEHAN/ROSLAN SUPPLIED/MICHEAL

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this but there is no basis for it. If I don’t like sports personalities, which is important to journalist , I have to have legitimate reasons me. Most people can’t relate to athletic feats for that, and one of those can’t be that they because they aren’t gifted in that way, but weren’t a professional athlete, because that they can relate to things these personalities assumes they haven’t invested years and years have been through in their lives, and perhaps in mastering their craft. I also think the take the learnings from that and apply them system is weighted in favour of the players. in their lives. Journalists spend years on the sidelines at training and at matches, all the domain of Players taking control of the stories is the players and coaches. But I’ve never heard a trend that’s grown exponentially over of a player spending a day with a journalist, the past five years or so. Did this always trying to understand the forces that shape interest you? their world. The cross-pollination of ideas is I have always been drawn to connect with important. It’s something I try to implement people on a human level. Rugby is what in my role as director of sport at Westville. I did professionally but it isn’t who I am. Coaches from across our different codes sit When I sat in change rooms, we rarely spoke together and discuss their plans, structures about sport; the conversations were mostly and culture in a bid to make the collective about life. So I started the video podcast stronger. This has to be the relationship with the intention of connecting with people between professional athletes and the media. on a human level. Again, the main catalyst Players gain nothing from staying in their for this was to be of service to the students protective bubble. at my school. I’ve always been more interested in growing good humans who contribute How did you come up with the idea for significantly to society than I have been in the video podcast? developing superstar athletes. That would be It started out as a way to keep our students a great outcome, but it has to be a byproduct and sportsmen engaged and stimulated of building great men. It’s a leadership style during lockdown. I figured I could use my that worked for me. Brad Mooar, the newly network in the game to add value to their appointed All Blacks assistant coach, led lives through conversations with sports like this and I saw the fruits of it. It isn’t personalities, which includes players, a coincidence that the Crusaders won three coaches and media. I really just want to Super Rugby titles on the bounce after he be of service to our students, but it seems joined the coaching team. He obviously to have grown beyond that and appealed has immense technical knowledge, but his to a broad audience, which is great. I’m EQ is equal to that and makes him the coach able to help reveal the humanity in these he is.

Speaking of EQ, rugby was home to a pretty toxic brand of masculinity, but recently we’re starting to see the stigma associated with mental health disappear. That must please you ... It does, because during my career I needed that aspect of leadership to come through more strongly. But the culture was different back then. You only knew what you knew, so I don’t blame anyone. Now players are far more comfortable speaking about mental health issues, which is great because all of them are confronted with it in some form or another. There are many more coaches who prioritise this too, guys like Sean Everitt at the Sharks. A coach with high EQ levels is critical to making the collective work. We saw this in the popular Netflix documentary The Last Dance where Bulls coach Phil Jackson was able to make a team of so many different personalities into a highly efficient and champion unit.

What’s your vision with this video podcast? I don’t have a lot of expectation beyond what it is now. I can see the potential for growth, but that needs to happen organically, I’m not going to force it. If it stays what it is now – a platform to reveal the humans behind the athletes – I’d be content. If it scales up, I’ll just go with it.

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GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES TO FOLLOWTOPOSSIBLESOON ASAS RUGBYSAFRAMEWORK FOR A OFFERING FINALLYHASACTION LIVE RESUMED, SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA 2020/06/01 12:16PM 77 ull marks to rugby’s of Super Rugby Aotearoa, so-named for While the rugby in New Zealand is expected funny guys and the Maori word for New Zealand. All five to be familiar – fierce and brutally contested creative whizzes for of the country’s Super Rugby franchises – everything around it will be different, out enlivening our days with workout are involved. of necessity. The medical manager for New videos, pranks and Zoom calls. Many New Zealand is reaping the reward of Zealand Rugby (NZR), Karen Rasmussen, said have shown a side of themselves few a successful lockdown that reflected a that a set of protocols for playing professional of us knew existed, proving there government well in step with its people. rugby had been developed and endorsed by are some virtues to be found amid The air was thick with talk of sport coming the government. the coronavirus pandemic. back, although several Crusaders players, These include daily temperature The news that Beauden Barrett arrived back Richie Mo’unga among them, jumped the gun and symptom checks for players, team at training from lockdown and immediately set in April with a throw-about in a management and officials involved in the new fitness records was astounding; the perfect park that got them into trouble for flouting competition, plus stringent hygiene and Fstory for the corona age. In the absence of live isolation regulations. Who could blame them? cleaning and contact-tracing practices. rugby, we’ve clung to every morsel of news, no The Aotearoa event was organised to Other measures include no more than 10 matter how silly or extreme. compensate for traditional Super Rugby’s people allowed for gym sessions and strict But nothing, not even a Quade Cooper forced suspension, while a domestic limits on time spent at team facilities. social media super-feat or a glorious Stormers Australian competition, including the Training will also take place in smaller singalong, can compensate for the lack of , is set to follow in July. groups split into morning and afternoon real, full-blooded action. We want our game With air travel a no-no almost everywhere sessions, while team and group meetings back, with its niggles, controversies, dramas and social distancing the catchphrase of take place online. and blinding speed. We miss the thrills, the 2020, Super Rugby has withered on the Being cavalier has no room in rugby’s big hits, even the cliche-fests offered by vine. How and when it comes back has new world. Even standard tasks such as players and coaches. been the subject of wild conjecture. Suffice strapping and massages are rigidly time- Thankfully, rugby began to escape to say that the pandemic will shape its tabled and all facilities, such as gyms the lockdown with the start in June incarnation next season. and meeting rooms, are sanitised after every use. Anyone who feels unwell (or ‘crook’, SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA IS SEEN as Kiwis tend to say), is advised to stay away, get tested and self-isolate. AS A MAJOR TEST CASE FOR RUGBY, Officials are trying to create a bubble WHICH IS DESPERATE TO PROVE IT of sorts by encouraging players, team management and their families to avoid CAN GO AHEAD SAFELY public spaces. Super Rugby Aotearoa is seen as a major test case for rugby, which is desperate to prove it can go ahead safely. The new-fangled competition will see the five Super Rugby teams playing each other home and away over 10 weeks, with two matches every weekend, all in closed stadiums. Before competition kicked off, New Zealand Rugby also announced several innovations that would be introduced. These included ‘golden point tie breakers, the ability for teams to replace players following a red card, and a renewed focus from referees on ensuring a fair contest at the breakdown’. ‘We want this competition to look and feel different,’ NZR Head of Professional Rugby, Chris Lendrum, said. ‘We’ve had great support from our coaches, players and referees to make Super Rugby Aotearoa faster, safer and more exciting than ever before.’ As we’ve seen elsewhere, the biggest shock for fans will surely be the absence of crowds and with it a sterile atmosphere. Teams traditionally feed off the buzz of the crowd, so a new dynamic awaits. In early June, it was also confirmed SuperSport would be broadcasting the competition live in South Africa. Locally, SA Rugby has been up to its eyeballs in mitigating against the effects of the pandemic and took some tough, brave decisions to cut spending across all sectors. The game has effectively been mothballed, but quiet talks have taken place behind the scenes with government.

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RUGBY’S RETURN

The major markets all have plans, of a sort, to get back to the field as soon as they can, contingent on following World Rugby’s return to rugby guidelines, which are World Health Organisation compliant: Six Nations: It has been mooted that the original Super Saturday fixtures – Wales vs , Italy vs England and France vs Ireland – will be played on 31 October. It’s a long shot, although there is a precedent for a Six Nations resumption: in 2001, three of Ireland’s games were postponed after a foot and mouth outbreak and were played in September and October that year. World Sevens Series: The Hong Kong and Singapore legs, due to be played in April, have been rescheduled for October. The and legs are due to take place in September. The Rugby Championship: One of the proposals gaining traction is to have the four teams based in a single locale, playing on a World Cup-style basis. Australia is looking likely as an HQ, with October- November said to be pencilled in. France: The French government summarily ended the soccer and rugby seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic. Rugby authorities and club presidents subsequently agreed to concentrate on ensuring the 2020-21 campaign starts in September. England: The Telegraph reported that the RFU is working on a number of variations of ‘rugby activity’, possibly even reducing the levels of contact because of social distancing measures. Don’t bet on it. Australia: All four Australian Super Rugby teams have returned to training, with a domestic league planned for a 4 July start. This will include the Western Force, although plans to pull the THE SIGHT OF THE SPRINGBOKS OR THE in proved a logistical nightmare. SUPER RUGBY TEAMS RUNNING ON TO A FIELD WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY BOOST MORALE

Formal sport looks to be a long way off and Cheetahs), perhaps starting as soon as in South Africa, but Jurie Roux, SA Rugby’s July, but probably later. The possibility of chief executive, says they have guidelines including the Jaguares, who would have to and protocols in place for a potential return decamp to South Africa, has also been floated. to play. These are on the desk of minister This would effectively be a Currie Cup of sport Nathi Mthethwa. on steroids, a pumped-up affair replete with Roux made a cogent point in identifying Springboks and others all desperate to play. rugby’s place in the national psyche: ‘We do One wrinkle in the plans would be the not run hospitals or build ventilators and lead-up time given that players will return we are not an industry that is critical to the to training in varying states of fitness (and South African economy; but we do believe we fatness) and would need around four weeks add huge value to national life in other ways.’ to get match-ready. Indeed, the sight of the Springboks or Given that the game’s economy has the Super Rugby teams running on to a practically been wrecked, there is surely room field would undoubtedly boost morale. in the calendar for a one-off Barbarians-type We don’t know how the rugby landscape game, perhaps even a north versus south will look when the game comes out the other affair to fire up rugby’s desperate fan base side, but we do know that an alternative has and get some money back into the coffers. been sought for Super Rugby in SA. Rugby’s grapevine is thick with wild This competition would almost certainly rumours and chit-chat, but the general mirror New Zealand’s domestic plans with refrain is that long-suffering fans will be the four Super Rugby franchises and the happy to have anything that resembles

HAGEN HOPKINS/PHIL WALTER/GAVIN BARKER/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO BARKER/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY HOPKINS/PHIL WALTER/GAVIN HAGEN two SA teams from the Pro14 (the Kings the game we so desperately miss.

SAR272 NZ comp.indd 79 2020/06/01 12:16 PM Future boks.indd 80 2020/06/02 11:49 AM WORDS: DYLAN JACK MAIN PHOTO: GORDON ARONS/ OPTIONS GALLO IMAGES APLENTY SA RUGBY MAGAZINE TAKES A LOOK AT PLAYERS AGED 23 AND YOUNGER WITH THE POTENTIAL TO PROVIDE THE SPINE OF A FUTURE SPRINGBOK SIDE

OUTSIDE BACKS Penxe. Tambwe has continued to progress (left) and Damian Willemse after joining the Sharks from the Lions and are leading candidates to feature for the is already an excellent finisher – memorably Boks this year should Test rugby go ahead. scoring four tries against the Stormers while in Fassi was in outstanding form for the Johannesburg. Penxe is thought to be in the Sharks at the start of the Super Rugby season Bok coaches’ sights and deservedly so. He’s had before competition was abruptly halted due to contend with an unstable Kings unit but his to the coronavirus outbreak. If 2019 was his quality has consistently shone through. breakthrough season, 2020 was set to be the year when the talented youngster established CENTRES himself at fullback. The two young midfielders on everyone’s Elements of his defence and positioning mind are (right) and Rikus may still need work, but the 22-year-old Pretorius. Both were schoolboy prodigies at was deadly on the counter-attack, ranking Jeppe High and Grey College respectively. The as the competition’s best player when it 22-year-old Simelane became a household came to kick returns. One could see Fassi name after some outstanding performances being blooded in the Bok squad on the for the Junior Springboks in 2017 and 2018, wing, while more experienced players, such carrying that form into the start of his Lions as incumbent fullback Willie le Roux, offer career. He could earn his first Springbok cap mentorship at the highest level. in the next year. Willemse’s best position has been unclear The 21-year-old Pretorius could also form for some time, but Stormers coach John an effective combination with Simelane. He Dobson has reiterated that he will get an made his senior debut for Western Province extended run at flyhalf. In his six Tests for in 2019 but was restricted to appearances the Springboks, the 22-year-old had primarily from the bench after the arrival of Welsh been deployed at fullback. What he needs at veteran Jamie Roberts. this stage is to be backed in one position and Pretorius could certainly be a worthy to learn from his mistakes. successor to in the Meanwhile, Tyrone Green may also have No 12 jersey as he is similarly strong when earned a call-up into an extended Springbok carrying the ball forward but also has that squad this year. The youngster cancelled his subtle skill to put others into space. With contract with the Lions, but his versatility Roberts unlikely to return to the Stormers, should keep him on the radar when he joins Pretorius can focus on sealing a place in an overseas team. Though he played most of their midfield. the 2020 season on the wing, Green is able Others to watch include Simelane’s Lions to provide backup at fullback and centre. teammate Manni Rass, and Western Province The other two wings putting their hands duo Lyle Hendricks and – who

CHRISTIAAN KOTZE/BACKPAGEPIX CHRISTIAAN up for Bok caps are and Yaw can also play at fullback.

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HALFBACKS Curwin Bosch forced his way back into the Springbok conversation with his excellent displays at flyhalf for the Sharks over the first seven rounds of Super Rugby. Under former Sharks head coach Robert du Preez, Bosch was either used at fullback or was relegated to the bench as the coach favoured his son in the No 10 jersey. However, with Du Preez having been succeeded by Sean Everitt, Bosch has now been backed to guide the Sharks backline and has repaid that faith in full. Before the season was suspended, Bosch was far and away the competition’s top scorer with 86 points – 20 ahead of Domingo Miotti at the Jaguares. Speaking of which, a flyhalf who could do with some faith is Manie Libbok, for whom 2020 looked like it would be the year where Meanwhile, 2020 could also have LOOSE FORWARDS he would finally get the opportunity to step been remembered as Sanele Nohamba’s Beyond the likes of Marcell Coetzee, out of Handre Pollard’s shadow. However, the breakthrough season. The Sharks player Sikhumbuzo Notshe and , the Bulls brought Morne Steyn back from France (above) may still be learning under the battle to succeed Duane Vermuelen is between to Loftus and he started most of their opening experienced , but he made two very different players. At 116kg, Juarno fixtures, with Libbok again having to play an impact whenever he was on the field. Augustus (below left) is more of a like-for- backup. Granted, the 22-year-old has had an He even showed his versatility by playing like replacement. The 22-year-old’s career inconsistent start to his professional career, the better part of 60 minutes at flyhalf has stuttered after he was named Junior but it is no coincidence that the Bulls’ best against the Hurricanes. World Player of the Year in 2017, but he was attacking performances came when he was Nohamba’s willingness to better himself enjoying his most consistent season yet in paired with . He could still – as well as his maturity – has caught the 2020, proving he is far more than a basher develop into a world-class talent, and it will eye of national selectors and he could earn with some wonderful skill when on the be a fresh start for him as the versatile utility a spot in an extended squad this year. counter-attack. If he can continue his injury- back now makes the move to the Sharks. The find of the season, though, may be the free run, it will be difficult to leave him out At scrumhalf, Papier’s 2019 World Cup hopes Lions’ Morne van den Berg. The 22-year-old of a Springbok squad. were dashed by Herschel Jantjies’ meteoric was playing for the University of Witwatersrand On the opposite end of the scale is Hacjivah rise but he rediscovered his mojo through in the Varsity Cup in 2019, but was somewhat Dayimani. The Lions player comes in at just a loan to Manchester-based Sale Sharks. The surprisingly included in the Lions’ Super under 100kg but more than makes up for that 23-year-old – who was part of Rassie Erasmus’ Rugby squad this year. Besides his blond hair with his skill and out-and-out speed. Not plans in 2018 – certainly looked rejuvenated and stocky build, Van den Berg resembles that his build has affected him in any way this year and was pushing for fan favourite Faf de Klerk in his approach as he has put in some incredibly physical the starting spot. to the game. displays – especially on defence – in Super Rugby. Dayimani took time away from fifteens to train with the Blitzboks last year – and even put in some promising performances for the Sevens Academy in Dubai. He could yet make a permanent move to sevens, but the Springboks would be missing out on a player with real X factor if this were to happen. Besides those two, there is plenty of talent coming through in the Bulls’ , Sharks’ Phepsi Buthelezi, Evan Roos and Celimpilo Gumede, the Lions’ Francke and Travis Gordon, and Western Province’s Adrian Paarwater and Marcel Theunissen. As far as flanks go, Vincent Tshituka (Lions) and (Cheetahs) could be long-term successors to Pieter- Steph du Toit at blindside. If the Boks are in search of opensiders to succeed the retired , they won’t have to look far as Jaco Coetzee and James Venter have been outstanding in Super Rugby for the Stormers and Sharks respectively. LOCKS There are endless options domestically and abroad for the Springboks to consider in this position. The World Cup-winning foursome of , Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert

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and RG Snyman will comfortably carry the team through to the next World Cup in 2023. However, it won’t hurt if the Springbok coaches do decide to build a bit of depth in this area. Looking at younger options, there’s a host of players who could be brought into the mix in the near future. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Salmaan Moerat named in an extended Springbok squad if Test rugby resumes this year. The 22-year-old has taken a step up into the Stormers starting XV this year and has been one of the country’s most physical defenders in Super Rugby. Another who could be brought in to learn under Etzebeth is Sharks rookie JJ van der Mescht (right). The 21-year-old has limited experience for the Sharks at senior level, but displayed his maturity and athleticism at the 2019 U20 World Championship. As far as the No 5 position goes, Ruan Nortje has already been touted as a future Springbok by former Bulls coach Pote Human. The 21-year-old got his chance to anchor the Bulls lineout after playing under De Jager and Snyman. While the Sharks’ Ruben van Heerden is playing in the No 4 jersey at franchise level, he could be a useful swinger option as his raw physicality is matched by his prowess at the lineout. have their own promising young hooker in represented Scotland in the U20 Six Nations Future prospects in this position include Jan-Henning Campher, who stole the starting and the Junior Springboks at the U20 World Ben-Jason Dixon and David Meihuizen. Both role this season from out-of-form Pieter Jansen. Championship. However, he has yet to declare players have put in some seriously impressive The Sharks have a number of players to which country he would like to represent at performances for Maties and UCT respectively. watch other than Kerron van Vuuren. The a senior international level. Durban franchise is intent on turning Dylan Simphiwe Matanzima’s stock shot through the FRONT ROWERS Richardson into a hooker and if he can master roof after a breakthrough season for the Bulls The conventional wisdom regarding front the technical aspects of the position, he can in 2019. He was a more than capable backup rowers – especially props – contends that make the transition a success. to Trevor Nyakane and looked destructive in they only hit their prime closer to 30. With There are also , Dan Jooste the scrum and on the carry. this thinking, there aren’t too many U23 and Jason Alexander – who have their origins Finally, there is Jan-Hendrik Wessels, who hookers and props who are ready to be in the . finished school only last year but already has thrown into the unforgiving cauldron At loosehead prop, there are three youngsters a number of franchises chasing his signature of Test rugby. who stand out. The first is Lions player Nathan after leaving the Clermont Auvergne academy. The outstanding option at tighthead McBeth, who has a handful of Super Rugby caps At 1.9m, Wessels is tall for a prop and he even remains Lions player Carlu Sadie (below right). as well as ‘international’ experience – having played at lock at Grey College. The 23-year-old has settled in Johannesburg after bouncing between the Lions and Western Province. Sadie – who closely resembles a young in look and approach – has been able to learn under one of the best scrummagers in this year. If he can continue his growth, a Springbok place is inevitable. Other exciting options at tighthead are Sadie’s Lions teammate Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who, for a man with a big frame, gets around the field extremely well and has an excellent work rate, as well as 22-year-old Sharks player Khutha Mchunu, who has developed in the senior ranks after impressing as a schoolboy at Glenwood. As usual, South Africa’s franchises have a number of talented hookers coming through the system. faces decent competition to seal a place as the Bulls’ No 2, but has

GAVIN BARKER/MUZI NTOMBELA/SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX NTOMBELA/SAMUEL BARKER/MUZI GAVIN the talent to do so. Meanwhile, the Lions

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Future boks.indd 83 2020/06/02 11:50 AM World Swimsuit 2020 ad.indd 82 2020/06/03 10:25 AM World Swimsuit 2020 ad.indd 83 2020/06/03 10:25 AM 86-88.indd 86 REFUSING 86 2020/06/03 9:34AM

GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES TO FAIL

WORDS: DYLAN JACK FORMER SHARKS U18 PROP PATRICK SIKHOSANA HAS FOLLOWED A WINDING ROAD TO THE UNLIKELIEST OF PLAYING FIELDS IN SPAIN

hen looking back at the are quite a few South Africans here. Basically, Sharks U18 team at the we are trying to improve the quality of rugby 2012 Craven Week in Port here and help with coaching. Elizabeth, there are a few ‘The level of coaching is really poor,’ names that immediately Sikhosana admits. ‘For example, this year stand out. Daniel and we had at least 15 foreigners – who are Jean-Luc du Preez were all professional rugby players in their own in the pack – in those days right from their different countries. But our the former was a lock – while Dan and Jesse coaches had coached only U16s. So they Kriel, as well as future Sharks scrumhalf struggle to discipline the guys on the field, Cameron Wright, were in the backline. simply because they are now working with However, for different reasons, the name grown men.’ Patrick Sikhosana also stands out. Schooled Having grown up in a low-income, single- at Port Shepstone High, Sikhosana was the parent household, Sikhosana did not have only player in the squad not from a Durban- the access to resources that many of his based school. Even though he weighed in at Craven Week teammates enjoyed, but he a lightweight 84.7kg, he was named as the was determined to make a career out of team’s starting loosehead prop. rugby and dreamed of playing for the When SA Rugby magazine catches up with Sharks and Springboks. Sikhosana eight years later, he is living in ‘I don’t come from a rich family, so leaving Madrid and playing second-division club wasn’t an option for me, especially at that rugby for Industriales in Spain. He hopes age,’ Sikhosana says. ‘My brother, who was to be selected to represent the country in a teacher and rugby coach at Port Shepstone the next couple of years. – was helping me with technique and stuff ‘To be honest, here it is more about the like that. I was playing alongside all these rugby culture than it is about the actual guys who had their agents and private

SUPPLIED rugby. It is semi-professional level. There coaches and all I had was my brother.

86-88.indd 87 2020/06/03 9:34 AM PATRICK SIKHOSANA

‘AS A PLAYER, YOU CANNOT GIVE YOURSELF THE OPTION OF FAILURE. REALISE IT IS NOT JUST A GAME, IT IS A LIFE’

‘Sometimes I didn’t even have a pair of rugby boots. I would get to trials and when one guy came off, I would borrow his boots.’ Despite these challenges, as a 16-year-old he was attracting the attention of some of the region’s biggest rugby schools, but made the decision to stay at Port Shepstone High. ‘In 2010, I got bursary offers from Westville, Glenwood and Kearsney. But I told myself I wasn’t going to take them. Why should I have to if I can make it from here? If I am ‘I will mention this guy a lot because a couple of people to Spain and in my head good enough, that is how it should be. I told without him the black rugby players from it didn’t register as that. It only hit me when myself I am going to stay with my mom as that region would never have stood a chance,’ he left and said those words. He is that guy long as I possibly can.’ Sikhosana says. ‘He coached Lukhanyo Am who wants the best for everyone. After missing out on the KZN U16 team – he is basically Lukhanyo’s mentor. They ‘My hope is that this gets to someone in 2010 and the U18 team in 2011, despite do video chats and things like that. I had out there, just to give them an idea of making the final round of trials for both, to spend some nights at Lodie’s house. what players go through,’ Sikhosana adds. Sikhosana eventually made the KZN U18 Sometimes I would have no boots, so he ‘As a player, you cannot give yourself the side in his matric year in 2012. would take off his boots and give them to option of failure. Realise it is not just a ‘It was an emotional moment. I was, and me. If I had no food, Lodie would help me.’ game, it is a life. If you want to make it still am, the first black boy from the South A particular low point came in late 2014, work, it has to be your lifestyle. Especially Coast to make the starting lineup. I still get after Sikhosana was released by the Bulldogs if you come from a troubled background. emotional when I think about it.’ and decided to move back to Durban. His You have to make sure you have the passion After the highs of the 2012 Craven Week bursary from the Sharks Academy was cut and the drive, and never give yourself the – when the Sharks beat a Free State team and the course he was due to study at UKZN option of failure.’ that included the likes of and was discontinued. Thankfully, he was rescued Ox Nche – reality came knocking as Sikhosana by Collegians. had to decide what to do after school. ‘PMB Collegians were very good to me and ‘My family was putting pressure on me. got me a job. When I went to Pietermaritzburg I needed to apply to varsities. I kept telling all I had was a little Chevy Spark, my suitcase them I was waiting for my Sharks contract. and a bar fridge. I spent the first two nights It didn’t come.’ in my car. They embraced me and I was able After school, Sikhosana spent a year with to be honest with them but I wasn’t satisfied. the Border U19 team before moving back I wasn’t playing rugby at the level I wanted.’ to KZN. An influential figure in his career The following year in 2016, Sikhosana was was Lodie van Staden, the Border Bulldogs given a contract to play for the Varsity College coach who gave Sikhosana the chance to Old Boys and he ended up captaining the team come to the Eastern Cape. in 2017. In the same year the chance to play for the Valke came up but Sikhosana turned it down after chatting to Van Staden, who by ON THE RISE that time had left Valke to coach in Spain. ‘It was one of the hardest decisions to This year, Sikhosana’s Industrales team was on the make. That is when I had to sacrifice my brink of winning promotion to the A League before dream. But having a person like Lodie and the Covid-19 pandemic intervened and the season his family, who settled here, helped me with was suspended. ‘It was disappointing. A little twist the transition to the Spanish lifestyle. is we found out that two teams in the B Division ‘When he left Spain, he said something can’t afford to play in the A Division as they don’t that stuck with me: he said he only helps have the resources or the sponsors. So there is people who he knows will in turn help a possibility we might still go up.’ others. That is exactly what I have done

without even realising it. I have brought SUPPLIED

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86-88.indd 88 2020/06/03 9:34 AM RN REE CON AGE PROOF WHAT’S THE NEXT FRONTIER IN RUGBY? A 40-YEAR-OLD TEST FLYHALF, I HOPE

K, now that I’ve got your attention Brady led the New England Patriots to the with the introduction, let me explain. Super Bowl later that year and, despite losing, I have always been interested in his performance suggested he had more in how science and technology can the tank at an age when most Bs had stalled contribute to slowing down the or were running on reserve. Earlier this year, believed he could probably play at a high level Oageing process. But I started to think about Brady signed a multimillion dollar, oneyear until provided he got enough time off, it this more seriously in the past couple of years deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with got me thinking how dope it would be to see after watching the docuseries Tom vs Time. a secondyear option clause. a yearold Test flyhalf. It tracked superstar NFL quarterback Tom He wants to play until he is . I want him ‘So, if the time off is used wisely and you keep Brady, then , in his bid to continue to play at to get there, not because I’m invested in his training, and as long as your motivation upstairs an elite level in arguably the most demanding dreams, but because I want him to shatter is still there, I can’t see why you can’t play longer position in all sports. The training physical the belief that pro athletes have a shelf life than you thought you might,’ Carter said. and mental, nutrition and recovery regimen that usually expires in their early to mid3s, He wasn’t talking about playing Test rugby, but featuring special pyjamas whose manufacturer depending on the sport. Simply put, I want that does not mean it isn’t possible. If achieved, claims it helps muscle recovery was astounding. science to win more than I want Brady to. this would undoubtedly be a more significant I understood how he could still perform at the Then when Dan Carter, in recent conversation feat than Brady’s. Bs have a dedicated team levels he did. with Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton, said he of blockers deployed to ensure he doesn’t get hit. They take no contact in training and their regular season lasts games add a couple of weeks if the team goes all the way to the Super Bowl. NOT ONLY ARE FLYHALVES NOT SHIELDED FROM Not only are flyhalves not shielded from the opposition’s kgplus hitmen, they also often wilfully run directly at them. For an international THE OPPOSITION’S 100KG-PLUS HITMEN, THEY flyhalf, commitments for club and country mean the season will run from February until November. The mental and physical demands are immense ALSO OFTEN WILFULLY RUN DIRECTLY AT THEM and are the reason there has never been a Test flyhalf who has played beyond 3. I’ve been reading sport’s journalist Jeff Bercovici’s book Play on: The Science of Elite Performance at any Age, in which he profiles many successful older athletes and delves into their winning strategies. It has been revealing and forced me to challenge my own ageism pertaining to elite athletes. In an interview with the New ork Times, Bercovici said ‘A lot of what I learned in researching this book had to do with the evolving understanding of the dangers of fatigue and the effect that fatigue plays in promoting injuries and decreasing an athlete’s performance. When you look at the athletes who are performing better later in their careers, a lot of it is because they have a better understanding of how not to accumulate fatigue over the course of a season or a training period.’ This is the biggest obstacle in the path of the yearold Test flyhalf. The season is long and the game incredibly abrasive, physically and mentally. Furthermore, the offseason is almost nonexistent. None of this is likely to change in the near future because the game’s leaders appear to value quantity over quality. But there’s hope that, as science advances and the suits see the sense in a compressed season, a yearold Test flyhalf will one day be a reality. What a beautiful thing it would be to watch.

RAN REDE IS A SENIOR SPORTS JORNALIST AND THE EDITOR OF MAN MAGAINE. FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER RANREDE. I E IESLL IES IESLL E I

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SAR Vrede column.indd 89 2020/06/03 2:20 PM DREAM TEAM MY PERFECT XV

THE FORMER SPRINGBOK AND SHARKS 15. CHRISTIAN CULLEN Exciting PROP PICKS A TEAM OF THE BEST HE as a first-phase strike runner or on the counter. Unmatched as an attacking fullback. PLAYED WITH AND AGAINST 14. He was very fast. He could score at will when given merely WITH ETIENNE FYNN a hint of space. 13. DEON KAYSER Brave beyond his frame, very quick and competitive in all aspects. J Deon was often underestimated due to his unassuming nature. He should have played more for South Africa. 12. TREVOR HALSTEAD The Sharks had a launch call based on him called ‘Thunder’. Trevor was Thor-like in his directness. An underrated individual who always delivered. JOHN SMIT (c) 11. JONAH LOMU Dominated the sport KEES MEEUWS like no other. I made my Super Rugby debut DU RANDT against him and will never forget tackling him and feeling quite chuffed with myself. 10. Dovetailed beautifully with Craig Davidson and dominated his channel. He always caused havoc on and off the pitch. 9. CRAIG DAVIDSON A Jack Russell who played like a Rottweiler. He hated losing. Irritated the opposition all the time which MARK ANDREWS took the pressure off his teammates. 8. GARY TEICHMANN The slow- burning match everyone needs. He was always contributing and never flickered. 7. AJ VENTER A bruiser who dominated the 1999 Currie Cup final for the Lions. Away from the pitch he was the opposite of what people saw on the field. 6. WAYNE FYVIE The original tearaway with an incredible feel for the game. You could see his appreciation for the game just by playing WAYNE FYVIE GARY TEICHMANN AJ VENTER touch rugby with him. 5. ALBERT VAN DEN BERG A lineout technician who contributed all around the park and added to the group conversation in his quirky manner. 4. MARK ANDREWS Aggressive with a deep need to win. He drove a brand of physicality that was unmatched in world rugby. Awesome to play alongside. 3. KEES MEEUWS A really strong prop who was commanding in the scrum and CRAIG DAVIDSON BUTCH JAMES TREVOR HALSTEAD DEON KAYSER carry. He formed part of an Otago front row that was so dominant over a period. 2. JOHN SMIT (C) Immensely strong, impassively calm and incredible in a group setting. A very good hooker. 1. Player of a generation. I played against him at the 1989 Craven Week and with him for North Eastern Cape. He was as massive then in his impact as he was at the 2007 World Cup final. JONAH LOMU CHRISTIAN CULLEN DOUG HOWLETT IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO FOURIE/GETTY SUPPLIED/CARL

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