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MSC.indd 1 2020/04/30 14:11 ISSUE 271 Contents RETURNING STRONGER PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT HAS A NEW OUTLOOK ON THE GAME 16 BY JON CARDINELLI

IN FULL FLIGHT A move to the has helped Sikhumbuzo 22 Notshe begin to realise his immense potential BY MIKE GREENAWAY FULL CIRCLE World Cup winner Frans Steyn is heading back 26 to with a new set of goals BY MORGAN PIEK NOT ALL BLACK AND WHITE Former Bok coach arrives at the 30 having learned a number of life lessons BY CLINTON VAN DER BERG ALTERED LANDSCAPE The game as we know it will never be the 36 same due to the coronavirus pandemic BY CRAIG LEWIS BEAST MASTERPIECE Beast Mtawarira is taking strides in a new direction 40 after a fairytale end to his Test career

ADRIAN DENNIS/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES ADRIAN DENNIS/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO BY JON CARDINELLI

Contents_May270_new 2.indd 3 2020/05/05 9:36 AM BEST OF THE BUNCH SA Rugby magazine’s team of writers pick their 44 Bok Dream Teams from the past 25 years BY STAFF WRITERS STRENGTH OF CHARACTER Rising star Jordan Venter overcame a tragic 48 accident that altered his life forever BY JAMIE LYALL CHANGE OF SCENERY Former Sharks centre has 52 turned his attention to the family farm BY DYLAN JACK CEREBRAL CHALLENGE The important subject of mental health is STRENGTH OF FULL 56 increasingly being tackled on the rugby front 48 CHARACTER 26 CIRCLE BY CLINTON VAN DER BERG JOURNEY AGAINST THE ODDS Kobus van Wyk on his move to the 60 and coping during lockdown in New Zealand BY MARIETTE ADAMS FOREIGN FAVOURITES SA Rugby magazine picks an all-time 66 Overseas XV BY JON CARDINELLI FRESH PERSPECTIVE Sharks fl yhalf came into 2020 70 with a new approach and determined mindset BY CRAIG LEWIS BREAKING THROUGH .... Former Lions fl ank is set to 74 embark on a new career path in MIRACLE BY JAMIE LYALL 78 MICHAEL MIRACLE MICHAEL The inspirational story of New Zealand-born 78 ’s recovery from a spinal injury BY LIAM NAPIER 5 EDITOR’S LETTER MAN IN THE MIDDLE 7 SUBSCRIBE Referee Nigel Owens on laws he’d change, dealing 8 LINEBREAKS BEST OF 86 with backchat and his favourite match 44 THE BUNCH BY SARAH MOCKFORD 90 MY PERFECT XV

JEAN STEFAN JON SIMNIKIWE RYAN DE VILLIERS TERBLANCHE CARDINELLI XABANISA VREDE The Springboks are has a It’s time for an aligned High-profile vacancies ’s blessed with depth crucial job to do at the global season to come in the SA rugby industry career shows why in most departments helm of into effect is a worrying trend temperament is key 6 12 34 64 84

Contents_May270_new 2.indd 4 2020/05/05 9:36 AM Editorial Director Gary Lemke Group Deputy Sports Editor Philippa Byron Editor Craig Lewis Chief Rugby Writer Jon Cardinelli Senior Writer Mariette Adams At the beginning of May, ’s Staff Writer Dylan Jack Copy Editors Mark Salter, Nick Krige lockdown had been eased to Stage 4. It Digital Media Manager Juandre Joubert offered a glimmer of hope that there was Art Director Stuart Apsey Designers Kyle Collison, Bulelani Kheswa, some light at the end of the devastating Celest Alexander, Abduraghmaan Davids coronavirus tunnel. Cover Repro Adri Papakonstantinou On the rugby scene, it has been a particularly challenging time Contributors Mike Greenaway, , Jamie Lyall, Sarah Mockford, Liam Napier, Morgan as talk of tournament cancellations and financial distress did Piek, , Clinton van der Berg, Ryan the daily rounds. And yet there were also those who looked for Vrede, Simnikiwe Xabanisa Production Manager Rushaan Holliday the silver lining, suggesting that the break from action provided Deputy Production Manager Maggie Wasserfall an opportunity to consider radical changes for the long-term Ad Traffic Controller Sajidah Allie Ad Designer Manager Brumilda Fredericks betterment of the game. Ad Designers Abduraouf Bessick, Dionne Wicks, Here at SA Rugby magazine, we’ve also sought to carefully Tyrone Michaels Director of Sports Sales Niall Meegan consider the best possible content to offer at this time, and Advertising Sales Sam Adams, Ruth Chetty, there are no shortage of fascinating stories to be told even in Dreyer Hoffman, Roy Lategan the absence of live action. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Ferguson Managing Director Tony Walker One of those comes from our cover star, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Production Director Bilqees Allie who suffered a frightening injury just before Super Rugby was Financial Director Lindsey Makrygiannis HR Director Rizqah Jakoet suspended. The World Player of the Year opened up about this Debtors Manager Sharon Maneveld career-threatening and life-changing experience, revealing how CEO’s PA Kovi Naidoo Photography HM Images, BackpagePix, Gallo it has provided him with a renewed appreciation for the game. Images, Getty Images (unless otherwise credited) This theme of compelling off-field stories runs throughout this Cover Photos Getty images/Gallo images

issue, with former Sharks centre Paul Jordaan detailing a change © Highbury Media (Pty) Ltd of career path, while we hear the miraculous stories of New 2004/031056/07, Highbury Media, 36 Old Mill Road, Ndabeni 7405, , South Africa Zealander Michael Fatialofa and Paul Roos star Jordan Venter. SUBSCRIPTION RATE In addition, we have Available monthly to TFG group account holders for R30.99 (incl VAT) per issue; exclusive interviews Non-TFG account holders (12 issues): R359 (incl VAT) with Beast Mtawarira, Neighbouring states: R559; International: R859 SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Bloemfontein-bound TFG account holders: Phone (021) 938-7506, email [email protected], or SMS ‘SARUGBY’ Frans Steyn, Sharks star and your account number to 45176 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, new Non-TFG account holders: Phone (021) 416-0141, fax 086-567-1350, or email: [email protected] Bulls director of rugby Jake EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES White and much more. Tel: (021) 416-0141 Fax: (021) 421-1250 email: [email protected] Look out for our selection ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES of Bok Dream Teams and Tel: (021) 416-0141 Fax: (021) 418-0132 email: [email protected] an all-time Foreign XV from Super Rugby. We do take a closer Distributed by look at the considerable impact of Covid-19 on rugby, and there’s a special ISSN 2519-0512. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission is forbidden. Every report on mental health. care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. The Enjoy the read during this views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. extraordinary time and, most of all, keep safe! Craig Lewis ASHLEY VLOTMAN/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO VLOTMAN/GETTY ASHLEY

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SAR271 Editorial.indd 5 2020/05/04 2:17 PM THE JEAN DE VILLIERS CHANGING COLUMN LANDSCAPE THE SPRINGBOKS ARE STILL SPOILED FOR CHOICE IN MOST DEPARTMENTS SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE WORLD CUP

D S I L M S A A O S O S T T I N E L S T S R S A T S N I L A T M L S A S R S R R THE FACT IS THIS COUNTRY NOW HAS SOME QUALITY IN DEPTH

I S A D A A E S N L A T O S M L T I A T I

DE ILLIERS IS A ORMER O ATAIN AND ORLD INNER O EARNED TEST AS E NO SERES AS TE EAD O ILANTROY AT ITADEL OLLO IM ON INSTAGRAM EANDEILLIERS MATT ROBERTS/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO ROBERTS/GETTY MATT

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SAR270 Subs1.indd 7 2020/05/04 2:18 PM SAR linebreak opener.indd8

DAVID RAMOS/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES 2020/05/04 14:06 HAPPY MEMORIES

Since the lockdown began, there has been little to cheer about as sport across the globe came to a screeching halt. Yet, with South Africans stuck indoors on 27 April – ironically a public holiday dedicated to celebrating freedom and the country’s first democratic elections – SuperSport put together something truly special. Taking fans back to the 2019 World Cup win, video inserts offered previously unseen insight from players, coaches and members of the backroom staff. Jacques Nienaber revealed how kept the entire squad of players invested by giving them the responsibility of analysing the opposition – even if they were not going to play. As an example, Erasmus was reportedly very impressed with ’ work in analysing England playmakers and George Ford – even though Jantjies wasn’t in the matchday squad for the final. One of the other anecdotes to come through was that the Springboks were not counting on facing England in the final and in fact had done more analysis on New Zealand – who were expected to beat England in the semi-finals. ‘A lot of the coaching squad and, I guess, most of the players expected New Zealand to be in the final. I think I and only one other player said we were going to play the English,’ veteran hooker admitted. ‘Most of the analysis was done on the All Blacks and not England. So on Saturday night after England gave New Zealand a whipping, we had to do the analysis on England.’ This is where players like Brits – who had spent a lot of time in England – were able to add extra value. However, as with the Boks’ campaign, it was not all serious as captain looked back on humorous moments. Besides Kolisi’s comical impersonation of celebrating with an injured arm, he also spoke of the dressing-room celebrations when Prince Harry arrived to congratulate the team. ‘I had to do media so I got to the change room and the guys were already at Level 12,’ Kolisi laughed. ‘The guys were in undies, they didn’t care and then the prince walked in. Some guys were like “Your Majesty” and some guys were like “Aweh, bru, do you want a beer?”’ Ultimately, it was a memorable flashback that highlighted just how far the Springboks had come since the lows of 2016 and 2017, while providing viewers with a happy distraction in a time of lockdown. – Dylan Jack

UP FRONT THIS MONTH

10 13 LATE TACKLE 11 FACE OFF 14 PLAYER BUZZ

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SAR linebreak opener.indd 9 2020/05/04 14:06 SAR271 LB Q&A.indd10

STEVE HAAG HOLLYWOODBETS/GALLO IMAGES we want todoisgive themanopportunity. they cango asfar asthey canwithsport.All putting themintheseschools andhopefully the EasternCape,spottingthattalentand We are working withthenetwork we have in to expose kidstothatkindofenvironment. rugby coaching.Whatwe want todoishelp a good educationatHudson Park andproper could afford tosendusagood school; we got a matterofgetting opportunities. Ourparents There isalotoftalentintheregion butit’s the challenges peopleinthat area go through. which iswhere we comefrom. We understand something for thepeopleofEasternCape, 2018. Theideabehindthefoundation was todo just before Iretired in2017andwe setitupin My brother andIstartedspeaking aboutit Akona.with Foundationlaunchedyou TellTwinsNdungane the about more us a feeder system thatallows players to get an bigger unionshave thesponsorsanduniversities, into thegrowth anddevelopment ofrugby. The the EasternCapeisthere isn’talotofmoney put come upwithasolution.Thebiggest problem for That isthekindofdebatewe needuntilwe playcanprofessionally? they talentso waybest tostreamlinethat the is What or two more boys andkeep growing like that. tough withthelockdown, butwe would like one supports thoseboys. Thisyear isgoing tobe that is where thefoundation comesinand rugby toursorday-to-day pocket money. So afford tobuythemboots,pay money for the boys comefrom very poorfamilies whocan’t Park. We supportthembecausesomeofthese have two beneficiaries;two boys atHudson don’t get an opportunity. At themoment we that falls by thewayside purely becausethey Eastern Capebecausethere issomuchtalent We would love tohave anacademy inthe foundation?the long-termthe goalsare for What

back tothekidsofEasternCape. and you canhearthatthey stillwant togive spoken toMakazole and Lukhanyo afew times are bigsuperstarsbutare sogrounded. Ihave is how humblethey are inthelimelight.They become World Cupwinners.Thebiggest thing have three guys from theEasternCapego onto achieve theirdreams andgoals. Itisinspiringto relate totheseguys andseethatthey canalso for theyoungsters intheEasternCape.They can Another isMakazole. Itisaninspirational story he hascomefrom andhow far hehasgone. to Siya’s storyfillsyou withjoy, lookingatwhere I amsoproud whenIseethoseguys. Listening LukhanyoMakazoleAm?and Mapimpi likesSiyaKolisi,tothe of up tolook able youngstersfor tobe it is inspiring How youngsters canget exposed atthatlevel. the development ofthegame,more these a bigpartinsport.Themore we caninvest in we hadfound outabouthimat23?Money plays at 26.How muchbetterwould hehave beenif found outabouthimwhenhewas inhisprime Makazole Mapimpiisanexample ofthat.We only the guys justdon’tget anopportunity. Aguylike so alotofthetalentgets moved elsewhere or rugby players need.TheEasternCapeishuge, opportunity andget exposed tothekindoflevel BROTHER FORMED ANDHOW TO TAP INTO THEEASTERN CAPE TALENT ODWA NDUNGANE TALKS ABOUT THEFOUNDATION HEANDHISTWIN SOLID GROUNDING contribute to. a fullstomachissomethingwe are happy to part inhelpingthosepeoplego tobedwith a mealthewholeday. For ustoplay asmall how many peoplego tobedwithouthaving telling herthey are grateful. We don’trealise told ushow many peoplewere callingherand mother, whohelpedusdistributetheparcels, are aboutfive orsixpeopleineachfamily. My which ishuge, whenyou considerthatthere support, we managed tofeed about65families, they were willingtolendahand.Withtheir with Hollywoodbets. We approached themand We are fortunate tohave agood relationship that we asSouthAfricansneedtopulltogether. can. Thepresident hassaid countless times find ourselves in,we needtoassistwhere we talented kids.Butbecauseofthesituationwe usually does;we are more alignedwithfinding for them.Itisn’tsomethingthefoundation country isunderlockdown, thetapisclosed on donationsoffood parcels. Now thatthe live onaday-to-day wage. Somefamilies survive how hightheunemployment rate is.Mostpeople throughout thewholecountrytoo.We allknow It ishuge. Notonly intheEasternCape,but thing? of sort this for need the is parcelsvillage.home toyour greatHow lockdownDuring donatedfoodyou 10 2020/04/30 2:53PM

WHAT CHANGE SHOULD BE MADE ONCE RUGBY RESUMES? S

C JON CARDINELLI E CRAI LEWIS S R Many former players and coaches believe a global season is the only way After just seven rounds of action, Super ugby was sent into an enforced to move the sport forward and address concerns around player welfare, break in March. In the weeks that followed, I found myself desperately as well as the overall product. When he was running for the World ugby missing live rugby, but that was due to the absence of any kind of action chairmanship, Agustin Pichot spoke about using the Covid-1 crisis as an as opposed to particularly longing for the resumption of the bloated Super opportunity to implement real and significant change. ugby competition. Consider the S model, where athletes in leagues such as the NFL have To my mind, people have been losing interest in an expanded Super’ the opportunity to condition their bodies in a substantial pre-season. competition for some time, and it got me daydreaming about my alternative They’re in peak physical shape by the time the regular season starts. At if I happened to be granted three wishes by a rugby genie. the conclusion of the competition they’re afforded a proper off-season Many have said SA rugby should call it uits and leave its southern to rest before they begin the following season’s training programme. hemisphere counterparts and head north. It’s understandable, and in times of The upshot is that players are less susceptible to physical and mental crisis that may make the most sense when it comes to boosting the financial burnout. They’re capable of performing at a higher standard for longer. coffers. et I’d rather see one of the local Super ugby franchises head north It’s not hard to see how that can improve the uality of a contest if perhaps to join the Pro1 or Premiership and leave three in Super ugby. all athletes enjoy this window to train and focus or how a series of If I could picture a perfect scenario and ignore any realities that it may not uality contests over the course of a competition can boost viewership be possible due to red tape or lopsided travel demands my wish would be to and revenue. see three South African and four New ealand teams in Super ugby action The big uestion for rugby has always been which hemisphere would the iwis would need to cut one side or combine the resources of two. sacrifice their schedule to align with the other. And yet, one wonders if, Mercilessly, I’d want ugby currently in absolute dire straits with a few adjustments, both hemispheres could not be satisfied. to cut their teams from four to two. It’s not really important whether the key stakeholders agree on a Leave the aguares where they are and that gives you 10 teams. eturn to a specific scenario at this point. What’s most important is that they come straight round-robin competition that heads into a semi-final and title-decider, together and agree on an aligned season that prioritises player welfare and you’d have a short, sharp and highly competitive tournament that would and the final product. be finished within 12 weeks if you throw in a mid-season bye for all teams. ADEW EDIGTO/SAMEL SHIVAMB/BAAGEI/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO SHIVAMB/BAAGEI/GETTY ADEW EDIGTO/SAMEL

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SAR271 Face Off.indd 11 2020/05/05 1:03 PM THE STEFAN TERBLANCHE FTTN COLUMN T RE-ELECTED WORLD RUGBY CHAIRMAN BILL BEAUMONT NEEDS TO ERADICATE THE DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN THE NORTH AND SOUTH

he more things change the more talented payers I have ever seen and had the they stay the same. Or do they? With privilege of playing with and against. But as Covid-1 unfortunately in full swing, far as national and Test teams go, the power Money makes the world go round, though, turning the sporting world upside down, lies down south full stop and in rugby the same can be said. With most millions are reassessing their lives to Let’s get back to the administration of the of the top earners playing in the northern Tsee how they could possibly make changes for game, though, and again I find it hard to believe hemisphere, it is clear where the money the better once things are back to normal’. that leaders from the south don’t have the ability comes from. World ugby also reassessed its future over and know-how to do the job. But I guess there Northern hemisphere competitions like this time, with a clear decision reached during is a huge difference between know-how and the Six Nations, along with the international the first round of voting. Sir Bill Beaumont was gaining enough support to get into that sort Test matches against the giants from the again selected to serve another four-year term of leadership position. south, are massive money-spinners, not in command. ernon Pugh filled the role of chairman first, only for the home unions but also for the ou’d think that with the best players and followed by Syd Millar, Bernard Lapasset and then visiting teams. teams coming from the south look at World Cup Beaumont serving the past four years. They are If you throw in the British Irish Lions tour winners over the last nine tournaments there’s all from up north down south every four years you have a large an 8-1 advantage to southern hemisphere teams Agustin Pichot, the former scrumhalf percentage of revenue right there. A leader in the administration should reflect the same and captain was widely backed to take over from a position as powerful as the chairman of World representation at the top table of leadership. But Beaumont, but was out-voted. His vision was to ugby should not have issues on how they split this is not the case and you can only wonder why. transform the game, going so far as to propose the pot and only rugby should be served. If we break this down, it is abundantly clear encouraging more youngsters to start playing I really hope Beaumont has built up enough the money and big revenue are up north and the Esport games to trigger their interests. experience and support within World ugby to top players are from down south. My opinion will He was also determined to implement a global make the changes so desperately needed in probably be disputed by professional players in season, in which north and south would have the these difficult times. the north, but that’s not my intention. same playing calendar, which is a debate that’s If World ugby can’t see that these changes Please don’t get me wrong, up north there are been raging for years without a clear vision and are needed, the people who put these leaders some of the most celebrated and individually plan in place. in their positions should be seriously uestioned. I back Beaumont to make these changes and to make rugby a lucrative game loved by all, but WITH MOST OF THE TOP EARNERS PLAYING most importantly by the die-hard ticket-buying fans who fill up the stadiums.

TEBLANCHE IS A FOME SPINBO WHO EANE IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, IT IS CLEAR 37 TEST CAPS. HE IS NOW THE CEO OF THE SA B LEENS ASSOCIATION AN SEE AS A MEMBE OF WOL B’S ICIAL COMMITTEE AT THE WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM 201 WOL CP. ASO OBIE/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES OBIE/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO ASO

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SAR271 Terblanche column.indd 12 2020/05/05 10:04 AM DYLAN JACK POKES FUN AT RUGBY’S CRAZY UNDERBELLY

BUSH FRIGHT Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has earned a reputation as a fearless leader, putting his body on the line for his team. However, during a visit to the bush with and Joe Pietersen, his nerves were certainly put to the test. A throwback video showed Kolisi casually chatting to Ntubeni and a few other guests around a campfire, only for Pietersen to suddenly come charging in wearing a mask. Kolisi clearly gets the fright of his life as he screeches in a high-pitched voice, leading to laughter from those that had set him up. ‘But why? Why would you do that?’ he asks repeatedly. ‘You knew it was coming,’ Pietersen answers.

SHOW-AND-TELL has been putting the boot in to the Wallabies for many years and while it has been five years since he played in the Bledisloe Cup, he still managed to get one over the old enemy. The former All Blacks flyhalf appeared on The Athlete’s Voice podcast with former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, along with Australian netballer Liz Ellis, forward Boyd Cordner and English netball player Helen Housby. When each personality was asked to present something for a show-and-tell segment, Carter wasted no time in savaging the Wallabies. ‘When I found out we had to show off something, I did some digging around to try to find the Bledisloe Cup,’ Carter said, as a photo of him celebrating with Ma’a Nonu appeared on-screen. ‘But I thought Cheiks would leave the chat if I started parading that around.’ Cheika then got out of his seat and left the podcast. ‘Even just the mention of it ... I didn’t think it would be that bad,’ Carter commented. To Cheika’s credit he did return with a big smile on his face.

GETTING THE LAST LAUGH LOST IN THE LINGO Former Springbok prop certainly enjoyed the team’s Some may forget that and enjoyed a stint 2019 World Cup win as he managed to get one over his Montpellier in with the , as both are better known for what teammates – some of whom doubted the Boks could go all the way. Before they did with the and Blitzboks respectively. As two young the start of the competition, the Montpellier players drew participating South Africans moving to a new country, they would have needed to teams out of a hat, to see who they would support. Du Plessis initially drew adjust to a new culture. An old video has surfaced showing the duo , but managed to convince fellow South African Henry Immelman getting lessons in the local lingo from then Force player Nick Cummins, to swap with him so he could support the Springboks. ‘When they saw that also known as the Honey Badger. Through the video, Cummins tries I took South Africa, they laughed,’ Du Plessis said. ‘So I thought, do these to introduce them to new phrases, but Leyds and Sage are clearly guys rate us so low, that they would laugh at us?’ An opening loss to the All struggling to understand. ‘If I was to get on the dog and bone, hook Blacks, of course, did not help. However, the Springboks would recover and a left jab to the billabong, bend the elbow with a few pigs' ears and chew a bit of fat with a couple of chinamen, what would I be saying to end up convincingly beating England in the final. ‘When you?’ Cummins eventually asks, leading to completely blank expressions scored that try, I think the neighbours thought there was someone on from Leyds and Sage. ‘Which bit don’t you get?’ Cummins asks. ‘Just drugs, because I was just so happy. From being laughed at and viewed ... all of it,’ Sage responds.

SUPPLIED/DAVID ROGERS/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO ROGERS/GETTY SUPPLIED/DAVID as complete outsiders, we became champions. ’

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SAR269 Late tackle.indd 13 2020/05/04 14:44 LB Playerbuzz.indd 14 14 workout sessionwithhis daughters. former Springbok lock afteranexhausting 50m slow jog#matfieldlockdown,’ saidthe ‘5km driveway challenge ...25x150msprint, VICTORMATFIELD community ofStrand. who assistedwithfood handoutsinhis need ourhelp,’ urged theStormersflyhalf, struggling inourcommunitiesandthey to seehow privileged Iam.People are really hungry. Today onceagain openedmy eyes ‘No child,motherorfather shouldgo tobed DAMIANWILLEMSE a homeworkout. everybody,’ said theStormersfullbackafter of ayoung smile.Stay homeandstay safe ‘Weird timesbutstilltryingtoshow aglimpse DILLYNLEYDS

former Bokfullback. away withpush-upchallenge too,’ saidthe it get harder whenwe get older?Grinding ‘Loving thefacial expressions. Why does MONTGOMERYPERCY to BouldersBeachinCapeTown. alongsideapicfrom apreviousflyhalf visit end! Stay safe everyone,’ saidtheSpringbok ‘Sitting andwaiting for thislockdown to POLLARD HANDRE matching undieswithhiskids. former Springbokwing,whosported #matchingmondays,’ exclaimed the ‘Happy Freedom Day SouthAfrica BRYANHABANA

Springbok as he posed with his child. Springbok asheposedwithhischild. in life, withoutashoe,’ jestedtheformer ‘Slow down andenjoy thesimplepleasures CARRNIZAAM after adelivery of food parcels. foundation,’ statedtheBokcaptain families through thework of@kolisi_ ‘One by Onewe are reaching vulnerable SIYAKOLISI after ahomeworkout session. #noexcuses,’ saidtheBlitzboks playmaker ‘My DIYgymathome#lockdownfitness #diy BRANCOPREEZ DU WHAT PLAYERS HAVE BEEN SHARING ONSOCIAL MEDIA

2020/05/04 08:14

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Untitled-2Website.indd 1 1 2019/07/122019/07/16 1:438:49 PMAM RETURNING STRONGER A CAREER-THREATENING INJURY AND THE COVID-19 CRISIS HAVE GIVEN PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT A NEW APPRECIATION FOR THE GAME

WORDS: JON CARDINELLI MAIN PHOTO: GRANT PITCHER

ieter-Steph du Toit gets straight to the point. He doesn’t know when he will be able to run again, let alone when he will resume full training with his teammates. In the same breath, the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year explains why he is so excited about the future. He’s come through a career-threatening ordeal and has learned that he will regain full use of his injured leg. The time in lockdown has also reminded him why – in spite of all his success with the Springboks – he should cherish every game as if it’s his last.

SAR271 Pieter-Steph du Toit.indd 16 2020/05/04 15:36 STRONGER

SAR271 Pieter-Steph du Toit.indd 17 2020/05/04 15:36 ‘THE REALITY IS I COULD HAVE LOST MY LEG. I HAVE A LONG SCAR TO REMIND ME ABOUT THE INCIDENT’ needs to be overcome, though. At least I haven’t had to watch my teammates playing every week while I sit at home on the couch. I haven’t missed much game time yet.’ Most players have made peace with the fact serious injury setbacks are part of the game. Du Toit has endured more than his fair share of long-term layoffs and is well aware of what can be achieved with a positive mindset. In March 2014, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and was ruled out for the rest of the season. A year later to the day, he injured the same knee and was told his World Cup dream was over. The Du Toits don’t give up easily, though, and a subsequent consultation revealed that the player could recover in time if he flew to Germany to undergo a procedure to replace the damaged ligaments. Du Toit’s father, Pieter, didn’t hesitate to donate his own ligaments to the cause. Later that year, Du Toit travelled with the Bok squad to the World Cup in England. He suffered further setbacks between 2016 and 2019. Each time he fought back to full fitness. Each time he came back stronger and more determined to raise his game.

Du Toit may owe his career to the medical team that took decisive action after he suffered a freakish leg injury in late February. Stormers team doctor Jason Suter was quick to diagnose the rare condition as a haematoma that had developed into acute compartment syndrome. Without immediate treatment, Du Toit could have lost his leg. The 27-year-old was rushed to hospital and underwent an operation in which the vascular surgeon had to cut through the muscle to release the pressure. The swelling around the wound, however, meant it had to remain open for 10 days. When SA Rugby magazine catches up with the Bok flank, he talks about his progress and the support he’s received from his family. ‘There’s a long, hard road ahead of me,’ he says. ‘I’m just trying to stay positive. Fortunately, I’ve been keeping up with my rehab and my wife, who is a physiotherapist, has been helping me during the lockdown to ensure I don’t lose any time. ‘It’s still uncomfortable around the muscle and it will be a while before I can get out and run properly again. I’ve lost a lot of weight during this ordeal and it will take some time to regain that. I see it as a challenge that

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GRANT DOWN/GRANT PITCHER/ANTON GEYSER/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES also madehimrealise how muchhemisses centre andhisStormers teammates has together with my brothers andparents.’ a chanceto spendsucha lengthy spell is noteverything to me, but Irarely get those relationships. I’ve always saidrugby together asafamily. We needto maintain to realise isthatwe need to spend more time but whatthistimeinisolationhas forced us us. You don’twishforthesethings to happen, at theDuToit farminRiebeekKasteel. wife and childaswell ashisextended family been to spendthelockdown period with his than rugby.’ use of my leg.There’s alotmore to life that Iwould eventually recover andregain time, Ihadto begrateful when I heard all day, asyou mayimagine. At the same It wasn’t agreat experience, looking atthat subside. Igot afrightthe first time Isawit. had to remain opento allow theswelling to For awhileafterithappened,thewound a longscarto remind meabouttheincident. reality isIcouldhave lostmy leg.Ihave and potentiallylife-changing,’ hesays. ‘The my career, butnonehave beenso complicated Time away from thehighperformance ‘My parents andallmy brothers are with The Bokflankreiterates how fortunatehe’s ‘I’ve hadto deal withafew bigsetbacks in

two seasons. When he’s asked to highlight couple of titleswiththeBoks over the past us how itcanallbetaken away.’ Because thiswholeexperience hasshown and playevery gameasif it’s ourlast.Why? We’re going to train harder thanever before training, we’re going to go above and beyond. If thecoach tells usto dosomethingat we couldn’t playagain. if therest of theseasonwas cancelledorif us to thinkaboutwhatwe would do tomorrow injuries. Thelockdown periodhasalsoforced says. ‘We realise that when we sufferserious second count. returns to action,heintendsto make every interest from afew overseas clubs. and inearlyMaywas saidto have drawn real the hottest‘properties’ on theplayer market, Rugby Player of theYear, DuToit of is alsoone the game. Understandably, asthe SA and World DO IF WE COULDN’T PLAYCOULDN’T AGAIN’WE IF DO WHATWOULDABOUT WE THINK TO US FORCED HAS PERIOD LOCKDOWN ‘THE Du Toit has won several big Tests anda ‘Nobody willtake anything forgranted. ‘None of uswillplayrugby forever,’ he Whatever the case maybe, when Du Toit

England’s attackingmomentum. Faf deKlerkshotout of alignmentto kill interesting to notehow often Du Toit and a structured planon defence, butit was final. The Boks went into that game with George Ford repeatedly intheWorld Cup we committedwholeheartedly.’ and whenthe work neededto bedone, all boughtinto theideafrom theoutset thought itwas unfair or unwarranted. We was notthe type of situation where players was beyond intense. Having said that,it hard-earned. that hascometheteam’s way has been is quickto pointoutthat all thesuccess in a World CuptitlewininJapan.DuToit an incredible journey thatculminated felt like to captaintheBoks,’ he says. in theUS,butIwillnever forget what it of RassieErasmus’ tenure. ‘We lostto one game, he singlesoutthefirst match Like whenDuToit hunteddown flyhalf ‘The way we trained atthe Boks ...it That game marked the first step of PIETER-STEPH DUTOIT

2020/05/04 15:37

PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT

BROTHERS IN ARMS

Pieter-Steph du Toit and his brothers – Johan, Anton and Daniel – have been dreaming about representing the Springboks since they were very young. ‘We often used to speak about what it would be like if all four of us could play in the same team, possibly even for South Africa,’ Pieter-Steph says. ‘Johan and I have spoken about it more and more over the past few months as he’s made his way through the Stormers ranks and started regularly at Super Rugby level. ‘You’re never going to be as close to your teammates as you are to your own brothers. You have an idea about what your brother is going to do, a natural feeling for how he is going to respond in each situation. That came through on the field when Johan and I played together for the Stormers.’ Anton du Toit played fullback for Maties in the Varsity Cup this year and may force his way into the Stormers set-up before long. Pieter-Steph, however, wonders if the Du Toit quartet will ever realise its collective dream. ‘There will be injury setbacks and we might not all play at the same level at the same time. So whenever I get an opportunity to live part of that dream, as I did alongside Johan, I cherish it.’ ‘WE WERE STANDING ON THE PODIUM WITH THE WORLD CUP AND IT FELT LIKE I WAS IN A DREAM’

‘Sometimes you make mistakes,’ he says of his approach in that monumental fixture. ‘You’ve got to back yourself, though, and it helps to know you have the backing of your teammates. Our scramble defence was nothing short of awesome at the World Cup. That showed where we were as a group and how we all played for one another. ‘A few of the Boks who had been in that situation told us to go out and savour every moment of the final. They said the game would pass by in a blur. I couldn’t believe how quickly it was over. We were standing on the podium with the World Cup and it felt like I was in a dream. It was only the next day, when I walked down to the hotel was that try scored in the ‘It was incredible to hear the guys talking lobby and saw the guys, that it started to second Test at Loftus, where he finished about that series so soon after the World Cup sink in that we are world champions.’ in the corner to bring the Boks back into final. That kind of showed where we are as And now the opportunity to be part of the game. That was a terrific comeback. a team and what we believe we can achieve a series involving the British & Irish Lions ‘I think the series in 2021 is going to be beyond the success in Japan. beckons. Du Toit was 15 the last time the bigger than the World Cup,’ he says. ‘Again, ‘Most of us are still young and some guys they toured South Africa. I’ve spoken to a lot of players who have shared are still relatively inexperienced, but everyone ‘Even though 2009 is a long time ago, a their experiences of 1997 and 2009. They’ve in the group is on the same emotional level. couple of moments stand out in my memory. told me the pressure to perform and win in Everyone understands what needs to be done. Heinrich Brussow got hold of one of the Lions a Lions series is greater than at a World Cup Despite the World Cup win, everyone wants to in a tackle and flung him away like he was because a Lions series is staged in SA only once be part of that series against the Lions and a bag of potatoes. That summed up the Boks’ every 12 years. If you blow that chance, you I’m sure motivation in the buildup won’t be

physical approach in that series. Then there probably won’t get another shot in your career. a problem.’ IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY ANNE-CHRISTINE/PEARTREE

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SAR271 Pieter-Steph du Toit.indd 20 2020/05/04 15:37 I want to play scrum-half for the Springboks

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Scrum Half.indd 1 2017/02/13 5:00 PM SAR271 Notshe.indd 22 22 SIHUUO OTSHE 2020/04/30 3:19PM

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GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES FLIGHT I NOTSHE BEGIN TO REALISE HIS IMMENSE POTENTIALIMMENSE HIS NOTSHEREALISETOBEGIN A CHANGE IN MINDSET HAS HELPED SIKHUMBUZOMINDSETHELPED HASIN CHANGE A FULL SIHUUO OTSHE WORDS: MAIN PHOTO:MAIN MIKE GREENAWAYMIKE STEVEHAAG 2020/04/30 3:20PM 23 hen Sikhumbuzo my best season of senior rugby. Fleckie [Robbie trying to figure out what physicality was Notshe joined Fleck] was the assistant and at that stage he ... Were they saying I can’t tackle? I can’t the Sharks late was fond of me and how I played ... But things move people at the rucks? My carries were last year, assistant changed,’ Notshe recalls. not strong enough? coach David ‘Eddie Jones was supposed to take over but ‘Youngsters started coming through and Williams asked then it was Fleckie and I thought it would be passing me and I did not know what was him a question a smooth transition for me because he had going on. This grey cloud was hanging over that has played rated me, but it went pear-shaped — Gert me and I didn’t know if it would pass.’ a significant role Smal [former director of rugby at WP] said Notshe’s frustration mounted. After his in the staggering I lacked physicality, and then Fleckie was stellar 2016 season he had been called up reinvention of the No 8’s career. saying the same thing. to the greater Bok squad and played for the The 26-year-old had arrived in ‘It was frustrating because they could never SA A team against England’s Saxons, but he Wfrom Cape Town with his career in the break the word down. I was left in the dark was struggling to get a start in Cape Town. balance. Seven years at Western Province had seen him rise to Springbok status but by the end of 2019 he had sunk to playing ‘THIS GREY CLOUD WAS HANGING OVER off the bench in the , with younger ME AND I DIDN’T KNOW IF IT WOULD PASS’ players such as Juarno Augustus and Jaco Coetzee having overtaken him. Williams, a much-travelled attack coach who has worked with Bath, Irish, the , Kings and Steelers, asked Notshe: ‘What are you doing at the Sharks? Why have you come here?’ Notshe tells SA Rugby magazine he found it a ‘bizarre’ question. ‘He asked me to write the answer down in my diary and bring it to him the next day,’ Notshe recalls. ‘I wrote the usual stuff such as more game time, the desire to showcase my talents and so on. When he read it he said: “OK, but what do you really want to achieve here. I’m giving you two minutes to draw a picture of who you want to be ...”’ Notshe presented him with a sketch of a Shark running, similar to the Sharks badge, and at the back of the Shark he wrote the words, ‘In full flight!!!’ Williams approved. This was something he could work with. He told Notshe to be a Shark in full flight in every possible way. ‘He said: “We are going to meet every Monday to discuss whether you were in full flight right through the week until the final whistle of the game.” He wanted me to be nervous for every training session, to own each session, and then the games would take care of themselves.’ Seven rounds of Super Rugby later, Notshe’s exhilarating form has been one of the glowing positives of the overall South African challenge. He has been nothing short of sensational in turning around his career. In the process he has reminded Rassie Erasmus why he made Notshe a Bok in 2018 and there’s also the symbolic ‘twos-up’ to the Stormers/WP selectors who lost faith in him. Which brings us to this question: what went wrong for Notshe at a union he joined straight out of Wynberg Boys’ High and served loyally until the age of 26? He admits there was a degree of being in a comfort zone but says it goes much deeper than that. He talks of a ‘grey cloud’ that hung over him at Newlands, which was the allegation of a lack of physicality in his game. ‘This didn’t seem to be an issue under and 2016 under him was

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SKILLS AND PACE

At the end of Super Rugby last year, the Sharks lost a raft of loose forwards, including rugged players in and the Du Preez twins, Dan and Jean-Luc. New coach needed experienced reinforcements, but he also wanted newcomers who would suit a game different from the direct approach of the Robert du Preez era. Notshe fitted the bill perfectly. ‘We felt we needed to change the way we play and Notshe wasn’t getting game time at the Stormers. They have so many good loose forwards and they also play differently to us. We want forwards — especially loose forwards — who can link with the backs in counter-attack, and we anticipated Notshe could do that for us.’ Everitt was spot-on. It has been a marriage made in rugby heaven. The Sharks were top of the Super Rugby standings when the pause button was hit and Notshe has been one of their best players. ‘We’ve seen how explosive a ball-carrier he can be. He has such good feet and speed off the mark but he is also good in the close exchanges. He gets stuck in. ‘You have to say he was the standout South African loose forward at the start of Super Rugby because of his all-round ability and high work rate.’ Everitt says he has been impressed with Notshe’s willingness to engage with the coaching staff. ‘He is studious, he works very hard on his own ‘I WON’T LIE … WHEN I GOT INVITED TO THE analysis and is always looking for feedback. He BOK ALIGNMENT CAMP, I WAS SHOCKED’ comes to us with his perceptions of his games. He adds a lot in team meetings, he has undoubted In desperation he seconded himself to But Notshe’s worst enemy could not leadership qualities and hopefully he will get a the Blitzboks, playing several matches for have scripted a more disastrous 2019 for chance to be captain. them in the 2017-18 season. him. He tore shoulder ligaments and then ‘Everything for us is about work rate. If I were to ‘I went to sevens to try to improve on in a comeback three months later he injured be hypercritical, I feel he can still do more. With his what they said I lacked but when I returned an ankle. skills and pace, the more he has the ball in hand I sat on the bench for nine weeks. I am not ‘That was it, I was done. There was no the more useful he is to the team.’ one to blame coaches and if you are on the chance of me making the World Cup. Would bench you have to deal with it, but it got me I have made the Bok squad if I hadn’t got down that there was no communication. An injured? Only Rassie knows but all I had important thing that nine weeks taught me wanted was for my body to give me a chance was resilience, staying in the fight. You can’t to compete with the best loose forwards in be selfish and become a cancer in the team.’ the country.’ And yet, that 20 minutes Notshe received At the end of last year, the frustrated, each game was enough to impress the disappointed Notshe knew his career was at Springbok coach. the crossroads. Big decisions had to be made ‘I won’t lie; when I got invited to the and the process had already started after Bok alignment camp, I was shocked. Why he had bumped into Sean Everitt on the was I there when I had hardly been playing? Kings Park pitch after WP had lost there I got my first in 2018 against Wales in in a round-two Currie Cup match. Washington and played six Tests in that year, Notshe had played off the bench and after with Rassie picking me for his Barbarians the final whistle he was striding quickly to team at the end of the year.’ the change room in a foul mood when he Notshe said one of the biggest confidence saw the Sharks coach. boosts he has had was when Erasmus told him ‘I was pissed off we had lost and as to not try to be another but I got to the touchline I saw Sean. I had to to be himself. quickly ditch my expression of disgust and ‘Rassie told me he had played Test rugby congratulate him on the win. I told him it as a 96kg flank, so he was not the biggest was a different Sharks team to the one that but was a great player, and it helped that had been pumped the week before against I could just be me and not try to be a big . He asked why I wasn’t playing and bruiser. I can look up to Duane but I don’t then asked if I would be interested in joining

STEVE HAAG HOLLYWOODBETS/ASHLEY VLOTMAN/LUIGI BENNETT/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO BENNETT/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY VLOTMAN/LUIGI HOLLYWOODBETS/ASHLEY HAAG STEVE have to try to be him.’ the Sharks.’

SAR271 Notshe.indd 25 2020/04/30 3:20 PM Frans.indd 26 2020/04/30 3:24 PM FULL CIRCLE WORLD CUP WINNER FRANS STEYN IS RETURNING HOME TO BLOEMFONTEIN WITH A NEW SET OF GOALS

he Cheetahs will enter the next Currie Cup and Pro14 seasons with some swagger after securing one of the most valuable signatures in world rugby: that of Frans Steyn. The Currie Cup champions may have reduced the size of their squad by at least 10 players, but they do have the two-time World Cup-winning Springbok on their books for the next couple of seasons. After an extended stint with Montpellier, Steyn – who turned 33 in May – will be looking to close out his career at the Cheetahs. However, he is a man on a mission with plenty to achieve. Steyn has signalled his intentions of going into farming full time on his property just outside Aliwal North, but for now he has his sights set

WORDS: MORGAN PIEK MAIN PHOTO: EZRA SHAW

Frans.indd 27 2020/04/30 3:24 PM on the Pro14. It should serve as ideal preparation for the Springboks’ next major international series, the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. As a fresh-faced youngster, Steyn was part of the successful Bok squad that won the 2009 series against the Lions, and apart from Beast Mtawarira, he is the only Springbok from that series who played in the 2019 World Cup final against England. With Mtawarira having since called time on his international career, Steyn could be the only member of ’ squad to face the touring team 12 years later. There are still a handful of those Springboks playing, such as , Morne Steyn and , and oddly enough they all have a Bloemfontein connection, but only Frans Steyn appears to be in the national picture. He fondly recalls the time he spent at the renowned rugby school, where he watched Pienaar and Du Plessis develop. ‘It definitely gave me a lot of confidence because from Grade 8 onwards I saw guys like Ruan Pienaar and Bismarck du Plessis playing ‘THE ONE BIT OF ADVICE rugby. Then after school, you see them making a success of their rugby careers. You I WOULD GIVE MY then think to yourself that you can also do 19-YEAR-OLD SELF IS TO it and you want to follow that same path,’ he tells SA Rugby magazine. BE A BIT MORE PATIENT. ‘That helped a lot with self-confidence. The other thing was that at the school, EVEN NOW I DON’T losing was never accepted and winning was a non-negotiable. That was and still is HAVE MUCH PATIENCE’ a big thing for me, and even at this point in my career I still hate losing. ‘The one bit of advice I would give my to do or have something done, it should have Japan, returned to the Sharks for a stint, 19-year-old self is to be a bit more patient,’ been done three months ago.’ and also played for Racing and Montpellier he adds. ‘Even now I don’t have much patience The Cheetahs may not have the biggest in France. I was able to adapt quite well and that is one of my weaknesses. If I want budget for players but the double World everywhere. I am sure I’ll be able to adapt Cup winner insists it was an easy again and bring something to the table.’ decision to join the side. Since joining the Pro14 in 2017, the ‘I am happy about the move Cheetahs reached the playoffs in their and can only thank coach Hawies first campaign, but the following season Fourie who really wants me at the was one they would like to forget. Cheetahs. I hope I will be able The 2019-20 campaign started in to make an impact. I’ve played emphatic style with big wins over the pretty much everywhere in the Warriors, Ulster and Munster, but world – played two seasons in this progress was impacted by the departure of coach and the arrival of Fourie. Yet, despite some inconsistent results, when rugby was called to a halt in March CHEETAHS COACH due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cheetahs HAWIES FOURIE ON … were still in with a real shot at making the

Steyn’s British & Irish Lions goals ‘A guy like Frans wants to play against the British & Irish Lions next year, so he is not coming back to Bloem to retire. He is on a mission; he wants to play in those Tests against the Lions. He will be in good shape and he will be working hard. We are looking forward to Frans joining the squad and contributing to the success we want to achieve.’ The value of Steyn’s experience ‘Frans will make a big difference to our team. He has got all the experience. He won two World Cups, he has played a lot of Super Rugby and games, and has 67 Tests to his name. It will be valuable for our squad to tap into his experience and use his skills. He is versatile and can play any position from 10 to 15. We see him as a guy who can play flyhalf or inside centre and that is where we will use him.

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Frans.indd 28 2020/04/30 3:24 PM FRANS STEYN

playoffs – especially taking into account that Sharks and more recently Montpellier, and six of their last eight games were to be played they both won the World Cup under Jake IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE at home. White in 2007. Steyn feels that even though the Cheetahs Pienaar was also influential in helping Cheetahs flyhalf haven’t quite yet mastered the art of winning the Cheetahs acquire the services of Steyn, on Steyn’s recruitment in the northern hemisphere, they can be and seeing the duo in action together again ‘They say you must never be the smartest in the regarded as one of the more dangerous will be a remarkable finish as the two careers room, otherwise you are in the wrong room. Now teams in the Pro14. come full circle. I will have Ruan Pienaar on my inside and Frans ‘The Cheetahs have already shown they ‘I am really looking forward to playing with Steyn on my outside. With that experience beside can play really good rugby and are one of Ruan,’ Steyn enthuses. ‘We have come a long me I cannot see anything going wrong. Having said the teams who play the best brand, despite way together and I’ve known him for a long that, I am excited to play with him. I played against struggling a bit when playing up north. It time. At school, I used to kick the balls back him while I was in France. He is an awesome guy is a different gameplan, especially in the to them when they were practising their shots and I think he will bring a new life and energy to winter. In the summer it is really nice to on goal, and we carried on at the Sharks. He the Cheetahs.’ play rugby, even in France. The ball gets was definitely the best scrumhalf in South Cheetahs centre William Small- thrown around quite a bit and it is a fast Africa at one stage. I really have a lot of Smith on his first memory of Steyn game but as soon as winter hits, it’s a totally respect for Piney and I am looking forward ‘Frans is a world-class player and just his versatility different game. I think the Cheetahs can be to being his teammate at the Cheetahs.’ as a backline player will strengthen our ranks one of the big guns in the competition as the It was a sentiment shared by his old immensely. I remember watching him play for the other teams don’t really know what to expect pal: ‘I think everyone is excited to see Frans first time. I was still in Grade 7 and attended school against them.’ in Bloemfontein, and he is coming back to in in 2005. My dad said I must go The arrival of Pienaar at the Cheetahs last where it all started for him,’ Pienaar tells watch Grey play against Affies in Bloemfontein year was also a major coup, and his influence SA Rugby magazine. and we drove through in the morning. That was was invaluable during the 2019 Currie Cup as ‘He said a long time ago that Bloemfontein still when I was deciding where I was going to they went on to claim the domestic title for would be the ideal place for him to retire attend high school. It was a monster of a game a sixth time. after playing for the Cheetahs. His farm that Affies won 27-20. That was the first time The careers of Steyn and Pienaar have is quite close to the city and that will I saw this beast of a guy playing for Grey and taken a similar path. Apart from them allow him to pursue his farming adventure. two years later he was a Springbok.’ both playing 1st XV rugby at Grey, the The farm and the outdoors lifestyle is his two Springbok stalwarts played for the massive passion. ‘A lot of youngsters will benefit from having a guy like Frans in the team. He still has a ‘I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD passion to play well, and I think it will be great for the youngsters to learn from him TO PLAYING WITH RUAN PIENAAR. WE and see how he operates. Frans never gives HAVE COME A LONG WAY TOGETHER’ less than 100% for any team he plays for and we have already seen that over the years.’ CAMERON SPENCER/DAVID ROGERS/GETTY IMAGES/DUIF DU TOIT/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO DU TOIT/GETTY IMAGES/DUIF ROGERS/GETTY SPENCER/DAVID CAMERON

Frans.indd 29 2020/04/30 3:24 PM ALL BLACK AND

NEW BULLS DIRECTOR OF RUGBY JAKE WHITE ARRIVES AT THE FRANCHISE WITH LIFE LESSONS THAT HAVE SHAPED A CLEAR VISION

WORDS: CLINTON VAN DER BERG MAIN PHOTO: PASCAL GUYOT

SAR271 Jake White.indd 30 2020/05/04 1:53 PM SAR271 Jake White.indd 31 2020/05/04 1:53 PM JAKE WHITE

ake White wakes up real thing. He’s has to rely on his gut and park playing on a mat. Of course I chased to a magnificent sea experience to determine who gets a job at the big jobs. view every day. When Loftus Versfeld. In a twisted way, he believes ‘There has been lots of criticism over the mood takes him, the pandemic might prove beneficial for the the years, much of it based on hearsay,’ he hops across to the Bulls. They had begun to drift, neither here says White. ‘There are many senior coaches empty boutique hotel nor there as a rugby force. Now they’ve been who have had more jobs than I. What people next door and gets forced to take stock. don’t realise is that I’ve been coaching since some exercise in the While he has no idea what rugby will look 1982 – of course I’ve had many jobs. You unoccupied gym. like the other side of Covid-19, he has had can’t stay in one place for 30-35 years.’ For much of the time to think and evaluate his life in the There have been fallouts, bickering, claims rest of the time, he months since he returned from Japan, where and counter-claims linked to an assortment checks in with players he coached Toyota Verblitz. It was a chapter of positions but White only truly regrets his and coaches on Zoom of his life he thoroughly enjoyed. Now it’s decision to walk away from the or FaceTime; the time for a new one. when he was on to a good thing. When he communication tools Critics might say ‘I told you so’, harping arrived, the Canberra outfit had two Wallabies. of the Covid-19 age. Such on about his itinerant rugby journey that has When he left that number had swelled to a is the life of the new main man of the Bulls, taken him to jobs all over the world. As ever dozen. Club rugby was rejuvenated, crowds handed the keys to a kingdom he can’t enter with such sweeping claims, the lines between were up and the city fathers were charmed. due to the pandemic shutting down all sport. reality and fiction have been blurred. It’s easy Among the many lessons he’s learned over JFor all the obvious comforts that surround to beat White with a stick apparently of his the years has been handling criticism. He’s him at his beachside home in the Western own making, but we’d be crucifying him for better at doing so now, although says his Cape, he can’t wait to get his hands dirty in a lack of ambition had he stopped coveting mis-steps were invariably what he thought . He’s eyeing a property to rent, has big international jobs in his mid-40s. It’s why at the time was the right thing to do; like checked in with many of the Bulls office- he pursued them. leaving the Brumbies. bearers and players, and desperately wants ‘I was 40 when I got the Bok job, 43 White walked away early in a fit of pique. to settle in as the director of rugby. when we won the World Cup. It’s like playing Having coached the only regional team to He is trying his best to assess the players international cricket. You want to be at Lord’s beat the British & Irish Lions in 2013, he but online meetings are no substitute for the playing in front of 70 000 people, not at a local had been tapped on the shoulder by the Australian about the Wallabies job. But the excitement quickly dulled when the ARU cooled on the idea in the wake of ‘THERE HAS BEEN LOTS OF CRITICISM OVER getting axed and Mickey Arthur THE YEARS, MUCH OF IT BASED ON HEARSAY’ losing the Australian cricket job. The appetite for foreign coaches had clearly been sated.

SAR271 Jake White.indd 32 2020/05/04 1:53 PM his permanent home, preferring to immerse himself in country and its strong rugby traditions. ‘I want to get out and see the boys play,’ he says. White made it clear he would be hands-on. He will be in charge of selection, recruitment and talent pathways for players and coaches at junior and senior level. He intends to create an ecosystem of shared goals, styles and strategies across the age groups. The prospect is staggering, especially if he gets it right. He dealt with concerns about his history head-on. ‘There couldn’t be a repeat of what happened at the Sharks – that was part of my negotiations with the Bulls. We have a clear division of responsibilities. ‘Relationships, as the years have taught me, are important. I haven’t always helped the relationships but I’m older – 56 now – and not the same guy I was. I’ve come to accept that when I get up in the morning things aren’t the same. I’m more relaxed, balanced. I think I’ve put enough runs on the board to know what I’m worth.’ CHANGING OF THE GUARD

IF HIS GIG AT THE SHARKS ENDED POORLY, The appointment of Jake White as director of rugby at the Bulls is part of a significant overhaul at the IT IS THE BRUMBIES ADVENTURE THAT IS famous union. THE SOURCE OF WHITE’S REAL REGRET Alfons Meyer was named CEO in late 2018, but stepped down in May. Last year, billionaires Patrice Motsepe and Johann Rupert (via Remgro) were White felt he had been burned, so he ‘I should have been more streetwise.’ confirmed as equal shareholders of the Blue Bulls packed up. Having been given a blank canvas in company (37% each), in line with SA Rugby’s ‘I probably should have stuck it out,’ Canberra, the assignment rates as the best constitution which caps private investment at 75%. he says candidly, a perspective shaped of his career. The Springbok job was a plum The endorsement of Motsepe, brother-in-law by subsequent events at the Sharks. role but the Brumbies gave him a chance to to President Cyril Ramaphosa, is hugely significant White was sold a dream by then chief create a new culture on his own terms. to the game. His right-hand man, Dr Johan van Zyl, executive but his time in Durban White enjoyed his time in Japan, too, is a big Bulls supporter too. was largely fraught and challenging. Apart ranking the lifestyle and learning among Rupert has long had an association with rugby from the responsibilities of the coaching the best. The language challenged him, so and with White in particular. job, there was his tangled relationship with too working with local players who were Previously, Remgro and the Blue Bulls Rugby Smit. The two had enjoyed a long, prolific graduates aged 23 and older. They were an Union each owned 50% of the franchise. Reducing association highlighted by their 2007 World intellectual group with intellectual demands, their shares allowed a buy-in from Motsepe. Cup triumph. However, back in Durban, Smit testing White’s methods, which he enjoyed. was the Sharks boss, albeit inexperienced, It’s a long way from Japan to Pretoria and White had to take orders from his one- but the over-arching demands at the Bulls time underling. will be similar: to create a winning culture. It was a fragile dynamic, with Smit having White revels in the prospect. to balance his needs and ambitions with ‘The schools are the envy White’s drive and vision. For a while the of everyone but, numbers-wise, it’s hard to pair tried to make it work, but neither beat what the Bulls have. It’s a region that was ever backward in coming forward and stretches into Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the relationship predictably frayed. White which is where Duane Vermeulen and Danie won’t talk ill of Smit but he says the Rossouw went to school. Lynwood Road in experience taught him to never assume the city has 47 rugby fields alone. It’s a anything. ‘I was probably naive and told great thing, I can’t wait to get out there.’ John, “This is probably not going to work.”’ Far from being office-bound, White wants If White’s gig at the Sharks ended poorly, to meet headmasters and rugby coaches. it is the Brumbies adventure that is the source He wants to attend rugby days and derby of his real regret. Even now, seven years later, matches all over the province. He has no

STEVE HAAG/DAVID ROGERS/RYAN WILKISKY/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO WILKISKY/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY ROGERS/RYAN HAAG/DAVID STEVE he wishes he had completed his contract. interest in commuting to the Western Cape,

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SAR271 Jake White.indd 33 2020/05/04 1:54 PM THE J RP FOR ROUTON IT’S TIME TO SHAKE UP THE STATUS QUO AND DELIVER AN ALIGNED GLOBAL SEASON

he Covid-1 crisis has forced unions to Ideally, you’d want to start the season with make significant cutbacks over the past regional tournaments before progressing to the few months. It’s also prompted everyone Test schedule. Play the Super ugby and northern to face up to the harsh realities about regional tournaments like the Champions Cup tournaments and structures that have and European Challenge Cup concurrently over concurrently. The Sanzaar nations are used to Tbeen mediocre for some time. a three-month period and then move into the competing in Argentina, Australia, New ealand The game cannot afford to plod along as it did international season, which would run from and South Africa at that time of the season in before the devastating coronavirus outbreak. The une to November. Super ugby. powers that be have to find innovative ways to That would see the schedule running according The obvious problem with the second scenario generate more interest and revenue. They also to the current southern-hemisphere season, is it divides the international season and doesn’t have to consider how the careful management where mid-year tours are followed by the ugby allow top Test players to spend an extended of players will make for a more attractive and Championship and, in the north, by the Six period with their clubs in tournaments like Super lucrative product. Nations, leading to the traditional November ugby and the Champions Cup. Somewhere along Newspapers and websites have been tours. The domestic competitions English the line, there will be a similar situation to what inundated with proposals and ‘10-point plans Premiership, Currie Cup and so on could run was experienced before the Covid-1 outbreak to save rugby’. A large number of erudite and at the same time as the international season. whereby Test coaches and clubs are fighting for respected rugby folk from to Why should the northern nations sacrifice their players at key stages of the season. Ian McGeechan feel the crisis has presented international season, though? It’s a fair uestion. Are these problems insurmountable? I don’t the game with an opportunity and that the The Six Nations generates a lot of interest and think so. If the key decision-makers go into time is right to align the hemispheres in a revenue year after year. Indeed, the north may this process with the right attitude and devote global season. well have cause to demand that the struggling themselves to finding a solution, everyone will Why are we still talking about the global south makes the bigger sacrifice in a new era benefit. If the teams in the north particularly season as if it’s a far-fetched idea? The game for the game. the big clubs in England and France refuse to has been professional for a uarter of a century. eep the Six Nations in the same window then, see sense, everyone will continue to suffer. Why haven’t the rugby hierarchy taken this idea but shift the tournament out to March and April The Covid-1 crisis has hit the sport hard, seriously and formulated a pragmatic solution to accommodate a two- to three-month rest and but it has also presented an opportunity. It that will suit all the relevant parties? conditioning block. un the ugby Championship would be a shame if those with the power to make a change and serve the global game opted to protect the status uo and look after WHY ARE WE STILL TALKING ABOUT THE GLOBAL their own interests. CADINELLI IS HIGHBUY MEDIA’S CHIEF UGBY WITE AND A FOME SAB SPOTS OUNALIST OF THE YEA. SEASON AS IF IT’S A FAR-FETCHED IDEA? FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTE @ON_CADINELLI. DAVID RAMOS/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO RAMOS/GETTY DAVID

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jon.indd 34 2020/05/04 08:09

WORDS: CRAIG LEWIS MAIN PHOTO: TERTIUS PICKARD PLANNING IS UNDER WAY TO REBOUND FROM A PANDEMIC THAT HAS CHANGED THE GAME AS WE KNOW IT

Covid.indd 36 2020/05/04 15:18 s far as SA rugby bombshells go, they don’t get much bigger than the one that was dropped on 21 April. For the most part, the South African governing body has remained rather tight- lipped about the full impact of coronavirus as an ever- changing situation has been assessed on a day-to-day basis. Yet, late one Friday afternoon, a statement was released to the media: ‘The rugby industry has agreed in principle to a wide-ranging plan to cut between R700-million to R1-billion from its budget over the next eight months to ensure the post-Covid-19 viability of the sport through an Industry Financial Impact Plan (IFIP). The economies will be achieved by reduced expenditure caused by the cancellation of competitions, cuts in other operational budgets and in salary reductions.’ Boom! Such an announcement was not unexpected at a time when rugby and sports bodies across the globe had announced cutbacks and salary adjustments. Yet it would have reverberated around the South African rugby fraternity, to administrators and players, and beyond. ‘Many businesses find themselves in a fight for survival and rugby is no different,’ said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux. ‘We face an extremely threatening crisis and we had to take united and decisive action to address it head-on.’ Then came the kicker: ‘This Industry Financial Impact Plan has been formulated against a worst-case scenario where we are not able to resume play for the rest of the year.’ It was a worrying sign of the times as live action and its associated financial benefits faded away. Globally, the game found itself swimming against a Covid-19 tide that showed little sign of slowing down, with no lifesavers in sight. For SA Rugby it was a particularly cruel setback. Just last November the Springboks and South African rugby as a whole were on top of the world after Rassie Erasmus’ team crushed England in the final. Rarely had interest in the Boks been higher and the 2020 home Tests promised to be played in front of packed stadiums, while the highly-anticipated 2021 British & Irish Lions tour was another blockbuster event just on the horizon. The Springboks’ 2019 success – not to mention the fact the Sharks also led the Super Rugby standings when the competition was suspended – had followed on from SA Rugby’s decision to overhaul its contracting model last year. Aimed at streamlining South Africa’s player pool and consolidating expenditure, it was a considerable step towards financial sustainability. Yet, after the highs of last year, no one could have foreseen how dramatically the rugby landscape would change in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the

Covid.indd 37 2020/05/04 15:18 COVID-19 IMPACT

unprecedented circumstances, Roux told For the players, it was also an for a return to on-field action in early June SA Rugby magazine there was little option understandably uncertain time as with a restructured domestic competition, but but to plan as proactively as possible even ever-changing return-to-play plans such hopes quickly faded as South Africa in the face of a ‘worst-case scenario’. and discussions around pay cuts took remained in a stringent lockdown. ‘There was broad agreement that we had place. In addition to this, Stormers coach Meanwhile, Sanzaar reiterated its to take united action and it had to focus on John Dobson conceded that fitness and commitment to completing Super Rugby a worst-case scenario line of thinking. The conditioning would become a concern in some shape or form. difficulty was in concluding the contractual the longer players remained inactive. ‘It is likely that once the green light is and approval processes as there were so many ‘They know they are going backwards given to commence the playing of rugby contracting entities and stakeholders involved physically from a rugby-conditioning point matches in the various stakeholder territories, across the whole of the rugby industry. of view,’ he told SA Rugby magazine. ‘So that a revised Super Rugby competition ‘We are constantly talking about the stress levels are understandably a bit format will be implemented. In all likelihood, sustainability and financial models, and high, and I think they’d just be grateful this will mean a strong domestic focus in there is no doubt this crisis has raised to get back on to the field because I think each territory given the travel, border and local and international questions about it would provide an element of job security government restrictions we believe we will calendars. The time for a review will come for them …’ have to adhere to,’ a statement read. when we know what shape the sport is in In mid-April, some rumours filtered At the beginning of May, Blue Bulls Rugby once we are on the other side of this crisis.’ through to suggest SA Rugby was hoping Union president Willem Strauss hinted that another possibility for live action could be a strengthened Currie Cup later in the year. ‘WE HAD TO TAKE UNITED ACTION AND IT ‘A doomsday scenario of no rugby this year HAD TO FOCUS ON A WORST-CASE SCENARIO would have a catastrophic affect on everyone involved,’ he told SA Rugby magazine. LINE OF THINKING’ – JURIE ROUX ‘For a start, being a professional rugby player is already an insecure job, and this is a particularly uncertain time,’ Strauss added. ‘But as a collective all the role players have accepted that if they want to save the industry, we’ll need to sacrifice. That applies to everyone, from players to administrators and all those in between.’ That became evident towards the end of April when it emerged that plans were well under way for players to accept a range of sliding scale pay cuts [see sidebar below], which would ultimately see the professional player group contributing 12.5% to the proposed total R1-billion in industry budget cuts if no rugby is played this year. MyPlayers, the trade union representing South Africa’s professional players, had engaged in negotiations for several weeks, with a reported 95% of members coming to agreement for the strategy, while there was an offer of relief on pension fund contributions. As part of the unique engagements, an extraordinary 21-day escape clause in the collective bargaining agreement had been salary adjustment scales

OPTION 1: OPTION 2: CURRENT NUMBER INCOME SEGMENTS (PER YEAR) ADJUSTMENT % Effective average Effective average OF PLAYERS adjustment % (excl adjustment % (incl (717) pension fund relief) pension fund relief of 15%) Segment 1: R0-R240 000 0% 0% 0% 273 Segment 2: R240 001-R500 000 36% 13% 2% 198 Segment 3: R500 001-R750 000 36% 22% 9% 81 Segment 4: R750 001-R1m 39% 27% 14% 45 Segment 5: R1 000 001-R1.5m 39% 31% 18% 53 Segment 6: R1 500 001-R2m 43% 33% 20% 22 Segment 7: > R2 million 43% 38% 25% 45

Covid.indd 38 2020/05/05 8:48 AM introduced, allowing for players to opt out of their current contracts and to seek alternative (read ‘overseas’) employment should they wish. MyPlayers CEO Eugene Henning insisted the consensus agreement was the only means of providing some form of job security. ‘The only sensible thing to do was to take a collective approach. It was better for players to be united.’ Nevertheless, it understandably led to some nervous employers as over 700 professional players could exercise the option to pack up and leave. The 21-day termination window ran from 24 April to 14 May and sparked rumours of an increase in inquiries from overseas clubs looking to cash in on ‘poaching’ some of SA ‘WE’LL NEED rugby’s high-profile stars. RUGBY AND COVID-19 One of the more contentious aspects to TO SACRIFICE. emerge from this clause was an apparent THAT APPLIES TIMELINE stipulation that would prevent the SA franchises from entering into negotiations TO EVERYONE, 11 March: Covid-19 management committee or counter-offers should one of their players FROM PLAYERS meets for the first time. opt to exercise the exit option and cancel 12 March: Pro14 season is suspended indefinitely. their contract with immediate effect. TO ADMINISTRATORS 13 March: World Rugby cancels the Women’s As if to evidence this point, rumours emerged World Challenger Series tournament, in early May that World Rugby Player of the AND ALL THOSE to be played in Stellenbosch on 28 and 29 March. Year Pieter-Steph du Toit was sought after by 13 March: SA Rugby cancels Junior Springbok a number of overseas clubs, and that a mega- IN BETWEEN’ – home and away internationals in April and May. money deal could be tabled by French giants WILLEM STRAUSS 14 March: Sanzaar suspends Super Rugby. Montpellier. As a result of the 21-day clause, 16 March: SA Rugby suspends all national team he would have until 14 May to decide. training camps and business travel, and orders All that aside, in these uncertain times, ‘It is the last thing we wanted to do but this cost savings; postpones kick-off of SuperSport Roux praised MyPlayers for the extensive was an exceptional time,’ Roux says. ‘We have Rugby Challenge. work undertaken and insisted SA Rugby a highly developed Elite Player Development 16 March: SA Rugby announces actions and issues had to maintain a practical outlook on system, however, and they have continued guidelines on safe practices to all rugby bodies. the lure of the overseas markets. to do their work. The tragedy is at a personal 18 March: SA Rugby announces suspension ‘MyPlayers were a critical partner in this level and I feel for those young players who of all rugby until the end of April and say process and deserve credit for the mature and have lost the opportunity forever of attending that discussions are under way to reschedule engaged way they addressed the challenge an event such as .’ competitions to exclude international travel along with the employers, in contrast to The game as we know it has changed. Now and be played behind closed doors. some overseas organisations – who’ve ended more than ever, though, a reminder has been 20 March: World Rugby cancels the Junior World up with the same outcome but by a more served about the importance of the industry Championship scheduled for Italy in June. combative route … The market has the power remaining united in the face of adversity and 23 March: President Cyril Ramaphosa announces to decide whether players stay or leave and finding solutions in times of hopelessness. nationwide lockdown to start from midnight on our job is to manage the resources as and ‘From our side, we are really working so 26 March. where we need and find them.’ hard and I want to guarantee our supporters 24 March: The IOC postpones the 2020 Tokyo Of course, the ripple effect of the coronavirus that as soon as the Springboks are back on to 2021. pandemic also filtered through all levels of the the field, we will make you proud, like we 27 March: SA Rugby, MyPlayers (players’ game, which became particularly evident when did last year,’ SA director of rugby Rassie organisation), the South African Rugby Employers’ SA Rugby announced that a host of youth and Erasmus reiterated. ’We are stronger together Organisation (SAREO) and Sports Employees Unite age-group competitions would be cancelled this and nothing should change because of this (SEU) confirm establishment of a joint working year, including the 2020 Craven Week. virus.’ group to manage the response to the crisis. 3 April: The rugby industry announces progress on an Industry Mitigation Strategy (IMS) to safeguard the game’s future. Plan to go through approval processes. 21 April: Industry Financial Impact Plan to make significant cuts in ‘global’ South African rugby budget confirmed. 21 April: Cancellation of a number of competitions and continued contingency planning for others in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Early May: Expected finalisation of sliding- scale pay cuts that would see players contributing 12.5% to a wide-ranging plan to cut up to R1-billion from SA Rugby’s budget over the next eight months. JOHAN RYNNERS/GRANT PITCHER/ASHLEY VLOTMAN/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO VLOTMAN/GETTY PITCHER/ASHLEY JOHAN RYNNERS/GRANT

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Covid.indd 39 2020/05/05 08:26 WORDS: JON CARDINELLI MAIN PHOTO: STEVE HAAG

SAR271 Beast Mtawarira.indd 40 2020/05/04 10:46 BEAST MTAWARIRA COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER ENDING TO HIS STORIED CAREER AND IS NOW GIVING BACK TO THE GAME

east Mtawarira has had time to reflect on the turbulent final years of his stellar career. From the outside, it may seem like this chapter unfolded without drama as the veteran prop won his 100th Test cap in 2018 and then added to his legacy with Rugby Championship and World Cup winners’ medals in 2019. But, as the Beast tells SA Rugby magazine, there was a time when he doubted himself and feared his journey would end with a whimper rather than a roar. ‘I invested so much into playing that 100th Test,’ he says. Indeed, the lead-up to that game against England in Bloemfontein – the second of the three-Test series – was dominated by tributes to the living legend, the first black African centurion. ‘I felt I did well in that series. Afterwards, however, I lost a bit of form and was dropped to the bench. It was tough. I started to wonder if this is how I wanted to end it all. My wife could see what a toll everything was taking on me. We had a lot of discussions about it. I started to think about retiring at the end of the 2018 season.

SAR271 Beast Mtawarira.indd 41 2020/05/04 10:46 results and performances were poor. There ‘IT ALL CAME TOGETHER IN THAT FINAL. were things going on behind the scenes that nobody will ever know about. Then Rassie I COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER came back and we started to build a new END TO MY CAREER’ team. It wasn’t easy and there were some growing pains, but it made us stronger. ‘It’s funny how life works, though,’ he says man made a name for himself when he ‘When I watched that final in , before breaking into a booming laugh. ‘I had scrummed Phil Vickery into submission all the emotions came flooding back. Even a long chat to Rassie Erasmus about it. Then in the 2009 British & Irish Lions series. my wife was crying. She knows what we I got injured in the final Rugby Championship It’s fair to say he lived up to his fearsome went through.’ game against the All Blacks in Pretoria. I was reputation – and then some – in his final Mtawarira says his short-term stint in out for a while and I used that time to assess Test appearance 10 years later. the US was not so much about playing as my options. Looking back, I’m glad I had ‘It all came together in that final. I could that chance to reflect. I’ve always wanted to not have asked for a better end to my career. win the World Cup [after falling short of the All the hard work I’d put into my game over goal at the 2011 and 2015 tournaments]. The the years … it was all worth it. I knew the opportunity to push for the game’s ultimate minute that game ended that it was my last. prize is what gave me a new lease on life.’ My heart was full.’ Mtawarira has long been a talisman within Mtawarira travelled to the US after the the national set-up, especially among the tournament to take a player-mentor role forwards. Captain Siya Kolisi and hardman with local club Old Glory in Major League often speak with reverence Rugby (MLR). When we catch up, he reveals about the veteran’s contributions. Hooker that he only just managed to return to South told SA Rugby magazine Africa before the nationwide lockdown. this year that Mtawarira was the set-piece While in isolation, Mtawarira and his catalyst in the 2019 World Cup final. family had the chance to rewatch the The Boks destroyed the England scrum 2019 World Cup final, which was – along in the opening quarter. The importance of with other classic matches – shown in lieu that performance was highlighted after each of any live sport. successful set piece when the backline players ‘That squad was such a tight unit. Most rushed over to slap Mtawarira and the other people won’t understand what we went forwards on the back. through over the past few years. Players ‘That was my life’s work,’ Mtawarira says, like me were there with the Boks during nearly six months after the event. The big the worst years in 2016 and 2017 when the

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SAR271 Beast Mtawarira.indd 42 2020/05/04 10:46 BEAST MTAWARIRA

THE BATTLE FOR No 1

Springbok great Beast Mtawarira wasn’t afraid to single out Ox Nche when asked about the state of South Africa’s front-row stocks and the latest performances in the Super Rugby tournament. Nche has been on the national radar for some time. The athletic prop was impressive with his ball-carrying and handling contributions for South Africa A against the French Barbarians in 2017 and he made his Test debut against Wales in Washington DC a year later. That Test remains Nche’s only appearance for Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks. Given Mtawarira’s retirement after the 2019 World Cup, however, there’s an opportunity to nail down a place in the squad. ‘There are a lot of players putting their hands up. One who has caught my eye is the guy who’s replaced me at the Sharks,’ says Mtawarira, who spent his entire career with the Durban-based franchise. ‘Ox has done a great job since coming in ‘I SAW THE MOVE TO OLD GLORY AS from the Cheetahs. I love the way he goes about his game. To be honest, I haven’t seen the Sharks A CHANCE TO MENTOR YOUNGER PLAYERS play so well in ages. It’s just a shame that the AND HELP A SEMI-PROFESSIONAL SPORT’ season was cut short, as they really seemed to have struck a great balance. ‘ it was about giving back to the next want me to come back in 2021 but I don’t The Boks went to the 2019 World Cup with two generation and helping a developing know if I have another season in me.’ specialist loosehead props in Mtawarira and Steven rugby nation. Perhaps when rugby does get the green Kitshoff. Swing props such as and ‘The owners of Old Glory got in touch light to resume, it’s the South African game – who has played a lot at No 3 this through an old schoolmate of mine from that will benefit from Mtawarira’s knowledge year – also have the ability to slot in at No 1. Zimbabwe, who is involved in club rugby and expertise. Lizo Gqoboka made his Test debut in the 2019 over in the States. They contacted me in ‘I’d love to work with younger players on Rugby Championship and would have travelled to 2019 to see if I was interested. I had my this side,’ he says. ‘I see it as my duty as a the World Cup if Mtawarira or Kitshoff had broken mind on other things at that stage of course, retired player. I’d love to impart what I’ve down with a serious injury. Now that Mtawarira with the World Cup right around the corner. learned and help the guys who want to make has retired, Gqoboka, like Nche, will be looking I was just trying to get into the best possible a career out of playing in the front row.’ to establish himself as a regular member of the shape before travelling to Japan. matchday 23. ‘Some players chase the big pay cheque at an overseas club after finishing their international careers. I had other reasons for working in the MLR. I wanted to do something meaningful, and I saw the move to Old Glory as a chance to mentor younger players and help a semi-professional sport in the US gain more recognition. ‘I’d travelled to the States many times before with my wife. I couldn’t wait to go back. From a sport point of view, I saw what David Beckham had done for soccer there during the latter stages of his career. I was hoping to do the same for rugby. I wanted to leave a legacy. Unfortunately, my stay was cut short.’ A lifelong fan of the NBA, Mtawarira admits that he left the US with some regrets. ‘I was so close to meeting LeBron James! I got in touch with a guy who was going to get me tickets to the NBA playoffs. The basketball season was cancelled so that dream had to be put on hold. I don’t know if I will go back to the States. The MLR season has been scrapped

SUPPLIED/GORDON ARONS/ASHLEY WESTERN/FRANCK ROBICHON/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO ROBICHON/BACKPAGEPIX/GETTY WESTERN/FRANCK ARONS/ASHLEY SUPPLIED/GORDON and I was contracted for only one year. They

SAR271 Beast Mtawarira.indd 43 2020/05/04 10:46

IN CELEBRATION OF OUR 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, SA RUGBY MAGAZINE OFFERS A SELECTION OF BOK DREAM TEAMS FROM THE PAST QUARTER OF A CENTURY

Dream team.indd 44 2020/05/04 8:18 AM Dream team.indd 45 2020/05/04 8:18 AM JON CARDINELLI (Chief writer) South Africa has never produced a better finisher than , who went on to end his Test career with 67 touchdowns, two behind the all-time record-holder Daisuke Ohata of Japan. Big, powerful and deceptively agile, JP Pietersen will go down in history as one of South Africa’s greatest wings. was a key player for South Africa in the Jake White era, and still holds the record for the most Test points scored by a Springbok (893). It was a joy to witness Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie operating in tandem. The versatile centres complemented each other well on attack and defence. The Boks have had some heavy hitters in that No 10 channel – and Handre Pollard, to name just two – but none who cuts with the same force and precision as Henry Honiball. The CRAIG LEWIS (Editor) from another mother’, and the bond they Boks were always a different beast when The selection of a Springbok dream team had in the front row was unique and brutally was pulling the strings from the past 25 years is an entertaining but effective. In the second row, my picks are from the No 9 position. almost impossible task. South African rugby obviously, and without needing explanation, started his career as an has been blessed with generations of world- and . explosive openside and then developed his class players, and trying to settle on a Thankfully, a hypothetical substitutes distribution skills over the next 11 years. ‘Perfect 23’ is subjective business. selection allows me to include the legendary Pieter-Steph du Toit has proved a blend of Yet, it should also serve as a tribute to and , grunt and guile – a one-of-a-kind athlete some of the legendary players this country while Frans Steyn is the perfect utility back who can give his team an edge, regardless has produced. In my backline, there is no who allows for a forwards-dominated bench. of their approach. Duane Vermeulen has been denying a temptation to pick Andre Joubert, one of the Boks’ most consistent performers but the ‘Rolls-Royce of fullbacks’ played much LEWIS’ BOK DREAM TEAM and, along with the All Blacks’ , of his rugby in a period outside our selection one of the best No 8s on the planet for the criteria from the past quarter of a century. past decade. With that in mind, you can’t look past the 15 Percy Montgomery 14 Victor Matfield was the world’s best ultimate ‘Ice Man’, Percy Montgomery, who 13 Jaque Fourie 12 Jean de Villiers 11 Bryan lineout exponent in his prime and proved was so central to the Springboks’ 2007 World Habana 10 Handre Pollard 9 Fourie du Preez the perfect second-row foil to the more Cup triumph. Other World Cup winners such 8 Duane Vermeulen 7 6 Schalk Burger abrasive Bakkies Botha. as Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana 5 Victor Matfield 4 Bakkies Botha 3 Jannie du I’m probably going to get some stick and Fourie du Preez are also simply automatic Plessis 2 Bismarck du Plessis 1 Beast Mtawarira. for my front-row selections. In the end selections in the backline. Subs: 16 17 Os du Randt 18 CJ van I had to make room for one of the great My two relative bolters among the backs der Linde 19 Eben Etzebeth 20 Mark Andrews Test captains in John Smit as well as one of are the selection of 2019 World Cup stars 21 Pieter-Steph du Toit 22 Joost van der the most complete Test hookers in Bismarck Cheslin Kolbe and Handre Pollard. Westhuizen 23 Frans Steyn du Plessis. Beast Mtawarira offered the Boks Despite making his Test debut in September plenty of value as a ball-carrier. His 112-Test 2018, Kolbe is the best attacking ‘strike career was effectively bookended by the weapon’ globally, and also holds his own game-changing scrummaging display against on defence and in the aerial game. Pollard’s the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and the selection means there is no room for Morne monumental set-piece performance against Steyn or Henry Honiball, but the 26-year-old England in the 2019 World Cup final. Other already has 48 Tests and a World Cup winner’s decorated players who narrowly missed out medal to his name, and looks destined for on selection in my starting XV are included Springbok legend status. on the bench. In a back row featuring the inevitable ‘dream team’ selections of Schalk Burger CARDINELLI’S BOK DREAM TEAM and Duane Vermeulen, I’ve completed my loose trio with the selection of one of the unsung heroes of the 2007 World 15 Percy Montgomery 14 JP Pietersen 13 Jaque Cup triumph and 2009 British & Irish Lions Fourie 12 Jean de Villiers 11 Bryan Habana 10 Henry success, Juan Smith. On the bench, Pieter- Honiball 9 Fourie du Preez 8 Duane Vermeulen Steph du Toit would offer immense value 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 6 Schalk Burger 5 Victor as a utility forward. Matfield 4 Bakkies Botha 3 John Smit 2 Bismarck Meanwhile, a front row of Beast Mtawarira, du Plessis 1 Beast Mtawarira Bismarck du Plessis and Jannie du Plessis just Subs: 16 Bongi Mbonambi 17 Os du Randt had everything going for it when they were in 18 Jannie du Plessis 19 Mark Andrews 20 Juan their prime. Of course, the Du Plessis brothers Smith 21 Joost van der Westhuizen 22 Handre came with their own reputation, but they also Pollard 23 Frans Steyn fondly refer to Mtawarira as their ‘brother

46

Dream team.indd 46 2020/05/04 8:18 AM BOK DREAM TEAMS

MARIETTE ADAMS (senior writer) When the ‘Blood Brothers’ are considered DYLAN JACK (Staff writer) These selections are hypothetical, so working in some parts of the world as the greatest As a combination, Percy Montgomery, out perfect combinations are futile. I reckon lock pairing of all time, it’s not really all JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana brought it’s about rewarding the best players according that difficult to classify Victor Matfield everything you wanted from a back three. to the impact they’ve made on Bok rugby and Bakkies Botha – without reasonable Bringing Montgomery back to South Africa throughout their careers. doubt – as the best Springbok second was a masterstroke during the Jake White There’s a case to made for Andre Joubert as rowers ever. era as his boot was key during the 2007 the best Springbok fullback of all-time, but Selecting a front row was tricky, because World Cup. Pietersen and Habana formed in his prime Percy Montgomery was a sight South Africa has produced so many world- an effective double threat on the wings. to behold. He was the first player in South class props and hookers. Ultimately, I decided Both were incredible finishers and excellent African rugby history to play 100 Tests. Bryan on Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis at the kick-chase. Habana – who is rightly regarded as one and Os du Randt to form what I think is Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie will of the sport’s greatest pace men – and the an indestructible front row. always be regarded as one of the best midfield agile Cheslin Kolbe round off my back three. It speaks to the absolute star power, combinations in Test rugby. De Villiers brought The Jean de Villiers–Jaque Fourie centre dominance and ability of this starting XV the subtlety and silky running, while Fourie combination was for Bok rugby what Conrad that the likes of John Smit, Beast Mtawarira, was a force of nature on attack and defence. Smith and Ma’a Nonu gave the All Blacks. CJ van der Linde, Eben Etzebeth, Juan Smith, Morne Steyn is surely the best Springbok Invaluable, irreplaceable, indispensable. Take Joost van der Westhuizen, JP Pietersen and flyhalf never to win a World Cup. While he your pick. Watching the king of the intercept Frans Steyn – all World Cup winners – have may not have been a heavy hitter in the and the minister of defence in unison in the to settle for a place on the bench, while same way as Henry Honiball or Butch James, Bok midfield was pure bliss. other players – like Joubert, Henry Honiball, he was still incredibly effective at turning Handre Pollard and Fourie du Preez join and Mark Andrews – don’t an opposition pack around and could single- forces as my preferred halfback pairing. even make the cut. handedly win a game through his boot. Both World Cup winners, Pollard is one of At scrumhalf, Fourie du Preez seemed to the most physical flyhalves the game has ADAMS’ BOK 23 anticipate things happening way before seen, while Du Preez was a master tactician they did and remains one of the most like no other, whose exploits in the Bok cerebral players to don a Bok jersey. jersey remain unmatched. 15 Percy Montgomery 14 Cheslin Kolbe My loose-forward selections may cause some Because South Africa produce hulking 13 Jaque Fourie 12 Jean de Villiers 11 Bryan debate. Nobody can doubt the credentials of loose forwards like New Zealand produce Habana, 10 Handre Pollard 9 Fourie du Preez Schalk Burger, Juan Smith and Pieter-Steph silky-skilled outside backs, settling on a Bok 8 Duane Vermeulen 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 6 Schalk du Toit, even if they may not necessarily back row was a tough ask, and dealing with Burger 5 Victor Matfield 4 Bakkies Botha 3 Jannie dovetail together as a trio. All three have the fallout from readers who disagree with du Plessis 2 Bismarck du Plessis 1 Os du Randt shown incredible mental fortitude to overcome my selection will be tougher. But Duane Subs: 16 John Smit 17 Beast Mtawarira 18 CJ more than their fair share of injuries and have Vermeulen at No 8, supported by Schalk van der Linde 19 Eben Etzebeth 20 Juan Smith come out the other side as reformed players. Burger and Pieter-Steph du Toit on the side 21 Joost van der Westhuizen 22 JP Pietersen Burger turned himself into a link-man of the scrum remains a prospective loose trio 23 Frans Steyn between backs and forwards after literally that would instil fear into any opposition. being at death’s door. Smith won a European Cup after coming out of a retirement forced by a terrible Achilles injury, while Du Toit overcame his own injury troubles before ultimately earning the 2019 World Player of the Year award. The remaining controversies in my squad surround my choices in the front row. I chose to accommodate John Smit at tighthead prop as I feel no Bok XV could be complete without one of the most successful captains of the pro era. I also chose Bongi Mbonambi ahead of Malcolm Marx on the bench, as I felt the way the former turned his career around to start most games at the 2019 World Cup deserves recognition.

JACK’S BOK DREAM TEAM

15 Percy Montgomery 14 JP Pietersen 13 Jaque Fourie 12 Jean de Villiers 11 Bryan Habana 10 Morne Steyn 9 Fourie du Preez 8 Juan Smith 7 Pieter- Steph du Toit 6 Schalk Burger 5 Victor Matfield 4 Bakkies Botha 3 John Smit 2 Bismarck du Plessis 1 . Subs: 16 Bongi Mbonambi 17 Os du Randt 18 CJ van der Linde 19 20 21 Joost van der Westhuizen 22 Frans Steyn 23 Cheslin Kolbe TOM JENKINS/BEN RADFORD/PAUL KANE/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES KANE/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO JENKINS/BEN RADFORD/PAUL TOM

Dream team.indd 47 2020/05/04 8:18 AM

Venter-1.indd 48 2020/05/04 08:35 -BOUND PAUL ROOS CENTRE JORDAN VENTER OVERCAME A TRAGIC ACCIDENT THAT ALTERED HIS OUTLOOK ON LIFE WORDS: JAMIE LYALL

ifteen-year-old Jordan and 12-year-old Aldin Kiesen had ridden jet But we’ll come to the vitriol and the Venter was dozing on skis, frolicked on the sun-baked beaches and cynicism later. Simply to get here, to the the backseat when forged bonds they expected would lay the point of digesting the withering coverage the car carrying his foundations for a lifetime of friendship. of his transfer, he has had to chart a voyage mother, stepfather In a wretched flash, their blossoming little of unfathomable sorrow, immense bravery and two stepbrothers clan was decimated. Of the five passengers, and a deep desire to succeed for himself was smashed by a careering coal only Venter and his mother Gillian survived, and for those he has lost. truck, flinging him violently from each nursing terrible injuries. The day after the crash, Venter woke up the vehicle and on to the roadside Nearly three years on, Venter is known in ICU with a fractured skull, a cracked pelvis in a maelstrom of debris and as the gregarious prodigy snapped up by and a punctured lung. Gillian’s condition was unimaginable horror. Edinburgh straight from Paul Roos, where graver still, her liver leaking blood and body The family were cruising he attended school, getting a professional ravaged by scores of deep lesions. Her physical back across the South African border contract that begins in December and which and emotional scars linger to this day. from a perfect holiday in Mozambique. has been greeted in Scotland as a gross ‘It was 2am when we were driving back from IMAGE: SUPPLIED IMAGE: The boys, Jordan, 15-year-old Christian affront to young local talent. Mozambique,’ the talented young centre

Venter-1.indd 49 2020/05/04 08:35 Venter-1.indd 50 into acoma. out of thisbed,Iamgoing to gymmyself again. Isaidto myself, themomentIcanget get my bodyready forlife, noteven to play even thoughitwas atragic, tragic event. game. Imightaswell choosethehappy option, goals andtryto seewhere Icango with the my assoff to get backto rugby, reach my myself, or I canusethissituationto work stop everything andbecomea burden to – Icaneither hate theworld, bedepressed, normal ward, I thought, I’ve got two options Fiennes memoir. the sortof zealyou’d read aboutinaRanulph how to bearweight, andyet hedidsowith in front of the other again,teach his limbs months, he had to learn how to putone foot He was bedridden forthebetterpartof six guilt of beingspared whileothers perished. with astonishing maturity. There isno obvious such trauma, but he talks about the ordeal wrought onaboy soyoung atthecentre of for almost a week and a half.’ thoughts were bloodyscary. Iwas inthere on andIthought I’d broken my neck–those move my legs properly, Ihadaneckbrace I woke up inICUthenext dayandIcouldn’t sleeping andIwas flung out of thecar. in George thenext day. you” – becauseIwas flyingback to hisfarm the accidenthappened–“Ican’twait to see recounts. ‘Isentmy dad a message justbefore ‘The things Ihadto go through justto ‘My first nightafterleavingtheICUfora You cannotbeginto quantifythegrief ‘I didn’thave aseatbelt on while Iwas

an exercise inconqueringdemons, setting ABOUT THINGS’ ABOUT WAYTHE LIFE, THINK I ON PERSPECTIVE MY CHANGED ACCIDENT CAR ‘THE but you can’t.’ to run,justchuckthethings away andrun, every day onmy crutches. Ihatedit, wanted because I couldn’tusemy pelvis. then Ihadto slowly learnto walk again a stick, lying inbed,unableto doanything, my bodywas cannibalising itself. Iwas like I couldn’tdoanything. I lostnearly18kg, like because I was sotired. around theward, Icouldn’teven breathe says. ‘WhenItook my first coupleof steps single time I did,my nosewould bleed,’ he long, undulatingandattimesforlorn. him for months onend.Theroad aheadwas aching frame outof thebedthathad borne and good, butfirst Venter hadto coaxhis is my mentality.’ Why bedepressed orunhappy aboutit?That and you have got to take advantage of it. like thatgives you asecond chance atlife, life, the way Ithink about things. Something chance now and I must get on with my life.’my with on get must I and nowchance havethis I lovingScotland,it. – he’dloving it be tocomingwas I knew he agegroup,if his for and AfricatopSouth golfersthe in of one was Christian stepbrotherplayingcareerthem,forMy them.for says.he life,’my with havethere’sstilltodo I something familysaved.wasthe Maybeof part my how memory.their honour joy,also own purelyhis forto not game but towantsforge He N4.acareer the dayon in the that familyshredded budding the Aldin,and and stepbrothersstepfather and his Christian Hein, of ever.oftenas hardthinks as He studies trainsand father’sfarm,lockdownVenterJordanhis In on loomslarge. professionalpromisedrugbylandof the as fuel compellinga and indelible memory an remain crutchesthey gone.arethe But and suffering the PLAYING FOR LOST LOST FOR PLAYING LOVED ONES LOVED The next two years of Venter’s lifewere ‘The next goal was to walk to thekitchen ‘When I got home, forthenext fourmonths ‘My first goal was getting up– and every Gymming himself into acomawas all well ‘The car accidentchanged my perspective on The torment is overnow,tormentis wreckage The the and fulfillingmy motivationsis big my of ‘One you’rereligious,not it’sprettyor crazy‘Whether

ass off to get thatopportunity.’ to playpro rugby. Iliterally worked my preparing myself. Iwant it.Ireally want the training, thehard work. and I was intop shape. Ilove thegym, shoulder damage, trained hard again, skills andspeed.Irecovered from the strength; Iworked onallthe small rugby So Iworked on my mobilityandligament wrong comingbackfrom thecaraccident? So Imissedtwo years of rugby intotal. because Iwas outagainfor the wholeyear. That shoulder injury really depressed me age, solidlybuilt;I’d worked really hard. play again,but I looked fantasticformy with ateammate. when hedislocatedhisshouldercolliding ground foraspiringSouth African tyros, U16s atCraven Week, thestoried proving the cuspof playingforWestern Province that painstakingrecovery, Venter was on back to rugby, got my lifeback.’ rehab, got back to training, backto school, I just went through theprocess, didmy own I don’tthinkaboutitfrom thatperspective; allowed to runagainandplaytouch rugby. no running.Itwasn’t until the December Iwas I could only do fastwalks forthat first year, a monthof strengthening andgymmingit. after two monthsof rehab formy hip, I did my cruciate, my legs, gainingweight, and out of physio, strengthening my hamstring, evening,’ hesays. then I’ddoanothergymsessioninthe I was grindingontheacademicstuff,and and doheavy weights, domy rehab, then But thegraft was allhisown. access to elite-level treatment andknowledge. Academy of Sportnext door, where hehad to benefitfrom thesupreme Stellenbosch on hisstudiesorfailtheyear. Hewas lucky land, knowing hehadtwo monthsto catch up produced more Springboks than any inthe to Paul RoosGimnasium,theschoolthathas and beginto lift weights again.He returned rewards. the little targets, trusting theprocess andreaping ‘My wholehighschoollifehasbeen me ‘After that, I thought,whatdiddo ‘People saidIwas crazy going backto The anguishdidn’tendthere. After ‘The wholethingsoundshorrible, but ‘For thenext few months, Iwas inand ‘I would get up at 4:50am, go to thegym Eventually, hecoulddiscard thecrutches

2020/05/04 08:35

IMAGES: SUPPLIED JORDAN VENTER

During all of this time, Venter would meticulously put together highlights packages of himself in action and blast them out to the world across his social media. He had grown to nearly 6ft 2in and put on slabs of lean, rippling muscle that took his weight to 97kg. At 17, he had the torso of a prizefighter. At some point, somehow, his footage reached Scotland. Edinburgh team manager Matthew Cornwell set the wheels in motion for a week-long trial in September last year. Venter almost combusts with excitement when he talks about the experience; a little green pup tossed in with great, hulking men he had watched on television, with his father Pieter lapping it up on the sidelines. The bull- headed coach cackled when his triallist was bamboozled by some new drill or some unknown play, but made it clear he admired his skills, brutality and desire. , one of Edinburgh’s hefty South African contingent (with the emphasis firmly on hefty), who chucks 70kg dumbbells above his head in training, gave the lithe upstart a thunderous introduction to the pro ranks. ‘I ran back a kick, I saw Schoeman coming, he lined me up and absolutely smashed me. But I bounced up quickly and kept running,’ says Venter. ‘The moment I got there, Schoemies took What does it say about Scotland’s academy me out for a drive and showed me around ‘I REALLY WANT system if there are no native centres ready Edinburgh. He really took his time to get to step up and claim a professional contract? to know me. was also awesome. TO PLAY PRO RUGBY. How can a 17-year-old half the world away be I tried to connect not only with the South I LITERALLY WORKED deemed better than what has been nurtured African boys, I also spoke to the academy there for longer? guys, the sevens guys, Scotland guys like MY ASS OFF TO GET ‘You don’t just come over so young for no Rory Sutherland and Ross McCann. Rory reason,’ Venter admits. ‘There is obviously an and I had a long talk about how he came THAT OPPORTUNITY’ elephant in the room. But if I want to play back from his groin injury – a top, top man. for Scotland it will take five years. My goal ‘It’s crazy to think that I was 17 at the time abundance of emerging talent make Europe is to play for Edinburgh and let that other and I was playing full-contact matches with a hugely attractive prospect for young men stuff come naturally; let me see where my adult pros. I ran, tackled, got smashed. I was with big ambitions. Venter has captained rugby takes me. playing with massive men, but I bloody loved South Africa’s U18 sevens side and bossed ‘I have massive goals to play international it, I was in my element.’ the ruthless paddocks of the national schools rugby and if it is with Scotland and that On the final day of the trial, Duncan competitions. He is English-qualified, thanks opportunity comes, so be it. As a South Hodge, Edinburgh’s attack coach, mentioned to Gillian’s parents and for as long as he can African boy, I feel like Scotland maybe lacks in typically deadpan fashion that the club remember, has yearned to play overseas. a bit of competition. Scottish Rugby is trying was keen to sign him. Father and son had ‘A lot of South Africans have this killing to build that up by getting in younger players. a meeting with Cockerill, when a deal was drive to play for the Boks; they live for it,’ There will be maybe six other centres and guys tentatively agreed and later rubber-stamped says Venter. ‘I respect that, and I got the in the semi-pro Super6 on my tail that want by Scottish Rugby. Edinburgh have helped opportunity to play SA Sevens at U18 and it my spot and that competition is healthy. set him up with a place at the city’s Napier was bloody amazing, but I’ve always wanted ‘The first instinct of the supporters will University, where he will study international to play for one of the UK teams. be oh, some guy has just taken a homegrown business and economics. ‘Since I was very young, I’ve made decisions player’s place. People aren’t going to like it. And while you can’t predict how a boy will to get an opportunity to come to the UK. If I was a young lad and some guy came from take to life among men, the transition for I wanted to get out of the country and play overseas and took away my position, I’d be Venter ought to be as smooth as possible, given rugby overseas. The sport is basically moving like, woah, why can’t that be me? What can where he is coming from. Paul Roos boasts a to the northern hemisphere, it is growing I do to get there? What has he done that professional school programme. Students are there with the spectators, the games, the I haven’t? I do feel bad, but at the end of the in the gym at 5am, in a team meeting straight way it’s portrayed.’ day, it’s a career, it’s a job, and I’ve worked after class, then on the field for another two Patently, Venter is a terrific player, but my ass off to get there. hours, conducting the level of analysis and he is unquestionably not Scottish. The union ‘I can’t wait to contribute to Edinburgh wielding an arsenal of technology that would took an almighty pasting for taking him in and their community, and show people what make some elite sides blush. Rightly or wrongly, so young; the obvious inference that if they I have done to get where I am. I really want the school is a high-performance environment. get him here at 18, he will be eligible to play to get out there and just play rugby – leave Yet in South Africa, shrinking budgets and for Scotland by 23. What sort of message does the politics and the articles aside and just let squads, transformation quotas and the sheer that send to those reared on home shores? me play.’

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Venter-1.indd 51 2020/05/04 08:35 CHANGE OF

SCENERYJordaan.indd 52 2020/05/04 08:31 CHANGE FORMER SHARKS CENTRE PAUL JORDAAN HAS TURNED ATTENTION AWAY FROM RUGBY AND TO HIS FAMILY FARM

WORDS: DYLAN JACK MAIN PHOTO: HAGEN HOPKINS

SCENERYJordaan.indd 53 2020/05/04 08:31 A Jordaan.indd 54 through theranks quitequickly. They offered was spaceformethere andthat I couldmove a good feelingfrom theSharks. Ifelt there ‘I visited a coupleof theunionsbutjustgot contracts but was swayed to join theSharks: since the2009Adelaide Sevens. helped theBlitzboks lifttheir first title tournament, inLas Vegas in2011, Jordaan the SA Sevens system. In hisfirst sevens by thenBlitzboks coachPaul Treu to join Craven Week whenhewas offered acontract talent was alsonationallyrecognised at SA Schools in2010. unbeaten Free StateU18 and represent Fouche. Allfourwent onto playforan Goosen, WilliamSmall-SmithandNeethling of apowerhouse 1stXVthat included Johan Grey College inBloemfontein,hewas part was onceapromising career. Havingattended also asomewhat disappointing end to what made solutionto lifeafterrugby, but it’s orchard. Iamtakingover thefarm.’ outside town andmy dadrunsapecan nut my parents have moved off; they live just and help.I have moved onto thefarmbut have notbeengood so Iwanted to comeback going through afive-year drought. Conditions time forour business becausewe have been start my lifeafter rugby. Ithas been atough decided itis time to hangupmy boots and family for six generations. the Eastern Cape –whichhasbeenin his for himto take hisplaceonthefarm in magazine that he feltthetimewas right African franchises. out of placeatany oneof the South 2019, be buthistalents wouldnot certainly with theFrench Top 14 side midway through negotiating arelease from his contract to many. Hehasbeen out of rugby since the familybusinesswould comeasasurprise has decidedto hang up his boots tohelp into theirrugby prime, thenews thathe MENTALLYDRAINING’ INJURY,GETSAN IT INJURYON AN ON INJURY AN GET YOU ‘IF After school,theyoungster hadhis pickof Jordaan isprivileged to have aready- ‘I amdonewithrugby,’ hesays. ‘Ihave However, Jordaan confirms to SA Rugby fter atroubling run of injuries and difference of opinion with the La Rochelle coach, former the LaRochellecoach,former Sharks centre Paul Jordaan Sharks Jordaan centre Paul has leftrugby behindand will betackling a new challenge backon his family’s farm. Jordaan’s burgeoning turned 28at the beginning of this year, when mostplayers would be heading be heading would Considering Jordaan

Durban to playfortheU21s,’ Jordaan explains. of tournaments andonlythenwent backto Stellenbosch andplayed sevens for a couple sevens inmy matricyear. SoIwent to I was picked up by to jointhe playoff wins–andtheCurrieCupfinal. Super Rugby final –whichincludedtwo away role intheSharks’ stunningrunto the2012 home soilandthenheplayed a prominent U20 Championshipforthefirst timeon helped theJuniorSpringboks claimthe the Sharks stood for.’ Super Rugby. Iloved theculture andwhat I couldmake itthrough theranks and play me oneof thesmaller contracts butIknew the way thatIwas built,’ he says. ‘Because his secondyear, limitinghistimeonthefield. started to struggle with hamstringstrains in as rosy asthatfirst year inDurban.Jordaan living adream.’ who were my heroes growing up.Itwas like I was ayoung guy andwas playingwithguys in seniorrugby anditwas sucha fun season. Rugby squad.Itwas awesome. back andIwas going to beinthe Super told methatIwasn’t going the endof 2011,coach] but[formerSharks ‘I didn’tjoin the Sharks immediately. Jordaan’s rapid rise continued ashe ‘Iwas definitelyinjury-prone becauseof Unfortunately, everything would not be ‘That was agood year. Itwas my first year ‘I was meantto go backto Stellenbosch at

ground, puttingtoo muchpressure onhis from behind and hiskneewas driven into the In aderby againsttheLions, hewas tackled came duringthe2014 CurrieCupseason. look every timeyou get injured.’ draining. Thecoachstarts givingyou that on aninjury on aninjury, itgets mentally a while, it is fine. Butifyou get aninjury frustrating. Ifyou get aninjuryoncein a bitlike aracehorse. That was obviously hamstrings quiteeasily. My dadsays Iam I have got fast-twitch muscle fibres, Itear Challenge Cup (11 appearances, 3 tries, 15 points) appearances,Challenge15 tries,(11 Cup 3 Rochelle2016-19:La EuropeanChampions/ points) 35 tries, 7 Rochelle2016-19:La Top appearances,(35 14 points) 45tries, 9 2012-16:Rugby(43SuperSharks appearances, points) 50 tries, 10 appearances,2012-15:(28 CupCurrie Sharks Championship) U20 2012 try,at 1 tournamentwin 1 2011-12: Vegas)Las at tournamentwin 1 tries,matches, 5 2010-11:Blitzboks(7 Cravenat Week 2010: & 2009 JOURNEY RUGBY Possibly theworst of Jordaan’s injuries Junior Springboks (8 appearances,Springboks(8 Junior RepresentedFreeState U18

2020/05/04 08:31

STEVE HAAG/XAVIER LEOTY/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES PAUL JORDAAN

hip, resulting in a dislocation and fracture. was also under stress and my dad was having The injury is said to be more common in ‘I WOULDN’T SAY health issues. There were a lot of things that car accidents than in rugby. I FELL OUT WITH played into my decision to come back.’ After having just recovered from a knee Jordaan has made peace with the fact injury, it was a massive setback for him as THE COACH – I JUST his rugby career is over. he was out for another six months, missing ‘It certainly has been a change. I wouldn’t almost the entire 2015 season. GAVE HIM MY OPINION say it has been tough because I knew exactly After making a successful comeback what I was going to do after rugby and that in the , Jordaan AND IN FRANCE THEY was to move back here because I grew up decided a fresh start was needed with a DON’T LIKE THAT’ here and it is in my blood. move to France with La Rochelle. ‘I left rugby on my terms and was not ‘I felt like I needed a change. I had been training sessions that I felt we might come forced out. I am doing what I love, so it in Durban for five Super Rugby seasons and last, just because of how it was going. But hasn’t been that hard. In rugby you live was in the Bok group once or twice but I felt then we ended up going to the semi-finals. in this bubble and a lot of guys don’t know my style of play at the time didn’t suit the It was just different, and I was not used when to get out of that bubble. Sometimes, side. We weren’t playing too much attacking to it.’ when you do get out, it is too late. I feel rugby at the Sharks. We played a defensive Jordaan continued to impress in France like it is a good time to leave the scene game and there was also a lot of politics and and earned himself a three-year contract and start life after rugby. stuff like that. I felt like I needed something extension in 2018. However, the following ‘I have built myself a proper gym here. different and a change of scenery.’ season, he strangely made fewer and fewer As a family we like to train together quite Jordaan says adjusting to life in France appearances. In 2019 the news broke that a bit. I will get up at 5am and gym. When was a challenge and that he was pleasantly he had reached an agreement with the club my daughter Ivy wakes up at 5.30, my wife surprised by La Rochelle’s run to the semi- to terminate his contract so that he could Natasha will drop her off at the gym and she finals in his first season with the club. return to South Africa. will gym with me. There will be music playing ‘It was a bit of a culture shock when I got ‘There were a couple of things that played and we will dance a bit. Natasha will join with there. Everything is a lot different to back a role there,’ he says. ‘It wasn’t just the injuries. a bit of cardio and some exercises. We love to home ... the training, the people and the It was the rugby. I wouldn’t say I fell out with do that together. language. The rugby was also so different the coach, I just gave him my opinion and ‘Everything has started to change on the – almost semi-pro. in France they don’t like that. He saw it as farm because we had unbelievably good rain ‘The facilities were great, but the coaching a fallout and we didn’t click. in January. Now the coronavirus has popped and medical staff were definitely not up to ‘I also had my little baby girl and I want up and we are not sure what we are going the standard I was used to in South Africa. to raise all my kids on our farm and give to do. But I believe I am in this position for I remember telling my wife after a few them a life out here. The family business a reason.’

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Jordaan.indd 55 2020/05/04 08:32 EREBRAL HALLENGE WORDS: CLINTON VAN DER BERG RUGBY STAKEHOLDERS HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THE NEED TO TACKLE THE SENSITIVE SUBJECT OF MENTAL WELLBEING

ental health. Urgh. Like inordinate amount of pressure is placed More recently, in April, former Scotland uncontested scrums, bag- on them and this can take its toll.’ centre Graeme Morrison spoke movingly of snatching and Romain To Hall, it’s a simple rationale: if a certain contemplating suicide in 2010. His torment Poite, it’s a subject rugby percentage of people are susceptible to mental endured for seven years before he got to players prefer to avoid. health issues, players aren’t immune to the grips with it. But, increasingly, it’s the same challenges. Closer to home, top players AJ Venter, elephant in the room that He is pleased the stigma is slowly Robbi Kempson and have cannot be ignored. Players being erased in rugby, as he discovered all spoken of their experiences, a welcome are slowly beginning to when working with the Lions last season. move, given the macho culture that largely talk; to one another, Unsurprisingly, perhaps, players dealing defines the sport in South Africa. to psychologists, to with injuries were often the most anxious. ‘Coming to the end of your career can be a the media. Depression and feelings of worthlessness scary place,’ Van Niekerk told Hall in a public ‘Among all my ex-player friends, I don’t can take hold. YouTube conversation in April. ‘When you’ve know one guy who has finished up playing Only recently has the spotlight swung to been revered and coming to the end, you can mand hasn’t had diagnosable depression to South Africa, the issue having been confronted feel a real loss of identity.’ some degree,’ says a prominent Cape Town in the UK and New Zealand especially in Asked how often the subject of mental psychologist who happened to play lock recent years. The great New Zealand wing John health had arisen during his 15-year career, for the Lions and Biarritz until 2011. Trevor Kirwan was the first prominent player to come former Bok captain John Smit said, ‘not once’. Hall is thus well placed to talk about mental out to talk about depression publicly, having He added, though, that rugby was practically health in rugby, having seen players struggle hit rock bottom when on tour with the All engineered for mental health problems. and then been involved clinically to help them. Blacks to Argentina in 1991. He’s since become ‘In rugby, we rely on spiked dopamine ‘The pressure to be athletic machines and a champion of mental health and was knighted [chemical] levels, so there is a regular high. morally upstanding is immense,’ he says. ‘An for his efforts. As a kid, you want to be in the 1st XV,

Mental healt.indd 56 2020/05/04 08:26 Mental healt.indd 57 2020/05/04 08:26 you want to outscrum your opponent, you Smit isn’t sure who should be responsible There wasn’t much awareness around want to be the best. Then, all of a sudden, for players managing their cash but reckons it mental health when she started her job when you retire that tap is turned off ... might be everyone who surrounds the player, in late 2018, she says. no more Saturdays to give you a big rush.’ from fathers to coaches, to CEOs and agents. ‘We’ve started beating the stigma and Players like Smit and 1995 World Cup He acknowledges, as many do, the good now offer a hotline and psychologists. winner eased their transition work done by MyPlayers, the organisation Players don’t like to hear about depression; out of rugby by embracing a different sport of all professionals in South Africa, of which they respond better when you talk about (cycling), which helped fill the void Smit he is a non-executive director. chemical responses, stuff like that. It’s a fine speaks of. He says MyPlayers has done a fine job line and there’s been an interesting response. ‘I haven’t missed rugby for a single minute,’ working through the attitude that tough ‘We’re trying to create a safe space because says the 2007 World Cup-winning captain. guys don’t cry. it’s a high-performance arena. A lot of ‘Okes who struggle never spent much time Indeed, this view is borne out by Hilana players aren’t where they are supposed to on other things. I always had an open mind, Claassens, an industrial psychologist who works be mentally, so I refer them to psychologists. a sense of real life. But others had no idea as MyPlayers’ national player development We must sometimes deal with a bit of broken what was coming.’ manager. She never goes into player meetings trust. In the past, a team psychologist has Part of this transition is coping with wealth without tissues. ‘There are always tears,’ broken confidences by talking to a coach, management, which can be linked to mental she says. which is a no-no.’ strength if it isn’t taken care of. Interestingly, she says issues tend to differ Smit says wealth creation and investments from team to team, with a player’s anxiety were spoken of ‘marginally more’ than mental ‘ALL OF A often reflecting the culture of the union. health, which is to say, not very much. He has Given the raging concerns about the tangible proof of the consequences, regularly SUDDEN, WHEN Covid-19 pandemic, Claassens’ phone hasn’t taking calls from players asking for help. stopped ringing. Players are stressed, not ‘A lot of guys fall victim,’ he explains. YOU RETIRE THAT least because their financial positions have ‘The real problem is those who didn’t do been compromised. well enough out of the game.’ TAP IS TURNED MyPlayers offers advice and courses and One such player is Hilton Lobberts, OFF ... NO MORE also has a compulsory pension fund which a two-Test lock who felt the local rugby has allowed for a ‘pension holiday’ during the environment hadn’t worked for him in SATURDAYS TO GIVE pandemic to help ease the financial burden insulating his future. ‘I never knew how on players. As a representative body, MyPlayers to manage my money. Nobody taught me,’ YOU A BIG RUSH’ is a model of excellence and an example to Lobberts recently told SA Rugby magazine. – JOHN SMIT other countries. STU FORSTER/SHAUN ROY/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO ROY/GETTY FORSTER/SHAUN STU

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Mental healt.indd 58 2020/05/04 08:26 MENTAL HEALTH

For every player struggling to set himself up for a life after rugby, whether materially PLAYERS ARE or mentally, there is one who has made a good fist of things. STRESSED, NOT Years ago, Selborne Boome was an outlier on Springbok tours. Rather than bang away LEAST BECAUSE at PlayStation or tour the coffee shops, he’d THEIR FINANCIAL invariably be in his room hitting the books, cultivating his future by studying towards POSITIONS HAVE a BSc degree. Stormers captain is another BEEN COMPROMISED such example. Unusually, he finished a degree (Bcom financial accounting) before contemplating life as a rugby professional. More unusually, he recalls that when he was with the Lions, he and used to challenge their teammates about what they were lining up beyond rugby. ‘No time,’ would be the general refrain before hopping on to PlayStation. ‘I knew it was rubbish,’ says Van Zyl. ‘“Life after rugby” is a tired phrase. It should rather be “Life during rugby”. MONEY BALL If you want to be the best, you should Former Lions, Cheetahs and Boland lock David have something else to keep you engaged de Villiers is the GM of MyPlayers’ Financial and stimulated.’ Services, boasting an array of qualifications. Van Zyl reasons that if you spend your He gained his first pro contract at 27 and thus free time watching rugby on television or advocates for players carving out a career alongside playing it online, you remain over-stimulated rugby. ‘I believe you’re a better player when you do by the game. both,’ he says. The lock joined Deloitte for his articles De Villiers believes the biggest recent challenge and then three years ago opened his own was players’ failure to build assets during their firm (Walworth Consulting), which allows playing years, chiefly by paying bonds or contributing him to step away from the heat of the to a pension fund. game. It’s an example he learned from MyPlayers assists players with several financial his older brother, Anton, and it’s little services, including a registered pension fund, with surprise that they rank among the more an advisory panel activated by the organisation. cerebral rugby figures in South Africa. Approximately 650 of South Africa’s 700-odd ‘At 18, I was never told I was going to be professionals contribute to this; the fund recently a star, so having something else was good became a compulsory component when players for me,’ says the 32-year-old, who plans to are contracted. leave the game on his own terms. He seems An independent investment consultant reviews myplayers aims to oversee and manage well-equipped to do so. the fund every year. all aspects relating to core financial Having a degree has given Van Zyl the MyPlayers also advises on injury insurance, with products in the following ways: luxury of being able to make mistakes in payment available for when a player’s contract his professional life because his Stormers precludes payment due to injury. This can ensure Develop and structure other financial product contract is an insurance of sorts. It’s a prolonged salary payment for anything from 12 to offerings for our players. buffer others could learn from. 24 months. Van Zyl also commends MyPlayers Additionally, catastrophic injury cover kicks in Appoint, oversee and manage other Financial for helping educate its members. He’s for up to three years. Services Providers (FSPs) on behalf of our players encouraged, too, by the new contracting Every player must also sign up for medical aid with regard to their financial products and services model which promises to be a slicker, and gap cover. such as their health care benefits, gap cover, short- more efficient mechanism that spits out De Villiers points out that their representation term insurance & other products. fewer professionals. is for group interests rather than narrow interests, ‘Running my own business is something which helps keep costs in check. Similarly, this Ensure optimal administrative management I love. A lot of guys go into farming, like philosophy allows for product development with on these various products. Pieter-Steph du Toit and , which insurers, effectively customising products’ for is encouraging. The challenge is for those rugby’s specific needs. Conduct reviews, analysis and continuation with who don’t do something.’ MyPlayers embarks on road trips to unions three product development to ensure that the products Rugby might still have a long way to times a year, but much interaction takes place on offered to our group of players are the best available go in getting to grips with mental health their app and, appropriately, with platforms like for them on the market. and its associated demons. But it has made email and WhatsApp. a start, giving its constituents hope and heart for a better, healthier game.

Mental healt.indd 59 2020/05/04 08:26 SAR271 Kobus van Wyk.indd 60 2020/05/04 11:18 INTERVIEW: MARIETTE ADAMS MAIN PHOTO: KERRY MARSHALL

KOBUS VAN WYK TALKS ABOUT HIS UNEXPECTED MOVE TO THE HURRICANES, A MEMORABLE DEBUT AND COPING DURING LOCKDOWN IN NEW ZEALAND

SAR271 Kobus van Wyk.indd 61 2020/05/04 11:19 How did your move from the Sharks to the example [before lockdown], everyone would With four tries in three games, you had Hurricanes come about? attend Monday morning meetings, including a dream start to your Hurricanes career. My contract with the Sharks was coming to the admin staff, because we were all away Talk us through your debut when you scored an end and they didn’t offer me a new deal. for the weekend, so these meetings are about a hat-trick. After we were bounced out of the Currie Cup making sure everyone had a lekker break and I’ll let you in on a little secret. That week last year, my agent phoned me and said that made it back to work safely. Only after that of my debut was an absolute nightmare. John Plumtree was interested in bringing me will we split for team meetings. These days I rolled my ankle on the Thursday and it to the Hurricanes. I immediately said I was everything gets done over Zoom, though. On was so bad I was put in a moonboot. I was keen. It’s a massive move. I haven’t heard Thursdays all the boys used to head out for named in the squad but I just felt I wasn’t of any South African players going to New coffee to catch up and to find out what is going play, I told my wife there’s no way Zealand, given the talent they have in the going on in each other’s lives, just chat about I’m going to play; heck I couldn’t even walk country. For them to show interest in me felt normal life. It wasn’t as easy with Covid-19, on the thing. My wife and I prayed for a unreal. I’m one of a privileged few from afar but we’re making plans for when all this is miracle and somehow I passed a late fitness who gets to play for a New Zealand side. over. For now, we’ve have to settle for test. I still don’t know how because the group chats and video calls. belief in myself wasn’t there. We played the How have you coped without your family in Napier and when we got there and friends in South Africa? and went for the captain’s run, the pain Our coping mechanism has been for my wife, in my ankle flared up and had to strapped Juné, and I to stick together with our son up again. But was rested and Elijah. The first two weeks were not easy, I started, and the rest, as they say, is history. but we’ve made a lot of friends and going to church helped immensely. People willingly What do you hope to get out of your spell extend a hand to look after Elijah for a night with the Hurricanes? so we can have a date night for ourselves. I joined on a one-year deal, but we are And we instantly had that trust to leave him talking about the possibility of extending with them. We’ve been blessed abundantly my stay here for another season or two. I’m with many good people coming into our lives. enjoying my rugby because I have a lot of freedom. As someone who has played 50-odd What are the key differences between being Super Rugby games, I’d like to give back to a Sharks and a Canes player? the younger guys at home and this experience The freedom they give you over here is will lend credence to my role as a mentor in probably the biggest difference for me. They future. I want to give back and share what I are bit more chilled this side; rugby is not life learn here. so they’re not focused on winning every week. Obviously winning is what we’re all after but Do you believe you can hold down they look after each other. The Hurricanes as a permanent spot in the match 23? an organisation are family-oriented and it’s Every team member’s dream is to play,

unlike anything I’ve experienced before. For get as much game time under the belt IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO MARSHALL/GETTY VLOTMAN/KERRY HOPKINS/ASHLEY SUPPLIED/HAGEN

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SAR271 Kobus van Wyk.indd 62 2020/05/04 11:19 KOBUS VAN WYK

as possible. And it’s even more so when you play in New Zealand. I just want to make a mark. I hadn’t played a lot in South Africa over the past season or two, so I just needed to confirm that belief in myself again. I know I’m good enough but I need to build on the momentum of my first few games for the Hurricanes to get my confidence and self- belief up. I know I’m good enough to make that No 14 jersey my own.

There are several All Blacks in the Hurricanes team. What’s it like to share a change room with them? They are all good characters and so far it’s only been a good time for me. It’s about learning from them and learning what makes them tick and excel in everything they do, even outside rugby. They focus a lot on family life and bonding with the guys away from the pressures of rugby. We go to a cell group and strength. As an outside back, it’s in my here is a learning curve on how to interact it’s equally awesome and weird to just hang nature to want to create magic and show with people from different cultures. We learn out, laugh and experience life with them off with fancy skills and tricks. Work-ons from them too, especially since we come from without the ball. are the times when the ball is not coming a more conservative background. Everything is my way; I have to learn to trace the ball so chilled and the players are not precious at How would you summarise your journey from and to work more off my wing to create all. They have a wicked sense of humour and when you started out at Western Province? space, width and maybe an overlap on the it’s refreshing to be a part of that. I wouldn’t say it’s a miracle, but it’s definitely other side just by fixing a defender. Off-the- a journey against the odds. If you’re born a ball plays like that make a huge difference, Who are you closest to within this team? South African, you admire the New Zealanders’ even if it may seem insignificant. There are a couple of South Africa-born flair and skills, but you don’t dream of playing players here like Wes Goosen and Ricky for one of their Super Rugby franchises. But What drives you as a player and a person? Riccitelli, so I’ve got that connection with to be here now and to play for the Hurricanes My love of the game. I’ve dreamed of playing them. We throw around some Afrikaans and and wear the jersey is an honour. Everything for the Springboks since I was a little kid but it’s good. Goose is from East London and that came before has helped prepare me for also just playing in front of big crowds around Ricky is from Durban. But as I said, everyone this opportunity. South Africa. I didn’t become a Springbok but has been welcoming. You know you are I was lucky enough to play inside a packed accepted and considered one of the boys Considering that journey, what is your Newlands several times, and those are the when they chirp away and sledge you; that outlook on life? experiences and moments I wouldn’t trade makes me feel like I belong. I’ve been to In life, we are placed in a lot of different for anything. a few barbeques, but Ricky, Goose and I call situations to test our resolve. It’s like the them ‘braais’. and I are also close, situation the world has found itself in with What are the culture shocks you’ve we are in the cell group together, go to the Covid-19. Rugby is the same. You get ups experienced in Wellington? same church and attend events together. and downs, times when you’re feeling bad They’ve got a lot of players with Fijian, and times you’re on a high. In the end, it’s Samoan and Maori heritage, so for me What made you decide to stay in New about going back to your roots and knowing and my family every minute of being Zealand during the coronavirus pandemic? what you stand for. When things don’t go It would have been a massive travel schedule your way, you must fall back on what you back home with the little one. Travelling know and go to the people who know and would have also caused a greater risk of us care about you and can point you in the getting exposed to the virus and we felt it right direction. As long as we know who we was the safer option to stay in Wellington. are and where we come from, we’ll all be OK. Which Sharks teammates are you still What was the key to your successful in contact with? transition from the Sharks to the Canes? The Sharks were here in mid-February and Probably the work done between my agent and I organised a golf day for us on the Sunday. John Plumtree. They have a good relationship. I’m mates with Andre Esterhuizen, Curwin After the Currie Cup, Plumtree came over to Bosch, Cameron Wright, and South Africa for an official sitdown meeting , and it’s good to keep in touch with my wife and I, when he told us a little with them. I was there for three years and bit about New Zealand, the culture and spoke they were a big part of my life. I miss them. about the Hurricanes’ team ethic. He was the leading figure in the process of us integrating What do you miss most about South Africa? so successfully. Biltong, droewors, brandewyn. But I miss our family the most, especially with the little What are your best attributes and your man growing up now. That’s the toughest. work-ons as a player? What I love most here is the people and Running with the ball in hands is my their generosity.

SAR271 Kobus van Wyk.indd 63 2020/05/04 11:19 SAR271 New Simcolumn.indd64 6 POPULAR AT WORLD RUGBY IN SOUTH BUT AFRICA HEISAPPARENTLY VERY THE DIVISIVEROUX MAY HAVE HISDETRACTORS I OUN they won’t know for monthstocome. mitigate financialdamage, theextent ofwhich that behave beenmakingblindcalculationsto it thegame’sfinances.Theresult isthepowers year’s rugby seasonhangsinthebalance,andwith deriding rugby’s administrators aboutwhat in Bulls recently partedways withAlfons Meyer since hisdeparture earlierthisyear andthe Western Province haven’t replaced Paul acks COO whoactedmore like theirCEO, a chiefexecutive afterCharlCrous, theirformer September becauseheisturning0thisyear. CEOs, withthelatterrumoured toberetiring in Straeuli andtheCheetahsHarold erster have the Sharks Eduard Coetzee, theLionsudolf position atWorld ugby. CEO urieoux hasbeenlinked withapossible franchises have chiefexecutives, whileSA ugby a mysterious turnofevents. Yet only halfof For thoseofuswhohave The Southerningshave stillnotappointed HIGH-PROFILE VACANCIES INTHESARUGBY INDUSTRY AREAWORRYING TRENDAT THISTIME suspended, postponedorcancelled,this brought by thecoronavirus outbreak. would beduringtheseuncertaintimes f ever rugby neededsoundleadership,it With allsportaround theglobe the country’sleading As we speak,only madealiving LEADERSI

joined six rugby Pro1. in hisnew office. literally hasn’teven puthisfeet under thedesk not clappedeyes onhisnew charges, healso lockdown was declared, notonly hasWhite director ofrugby theday before national set upateaminhisimage. pressure onhisshouldersashescrambles to will probably take afair bitofthecontracting the endofMay, butdirector ofrugby ake White likely tohappenwhenthere isnoeffective boss? how many more similarleft-fielddecisionsare a CEO whenthathappened.Socanyou imagine that argument, butWestern Province actually had Committee overrule themby appointinghim. contract latelastyear, only toseetheirExecutive not torenew former Blitzboks coachPaul Treu’s commercial sideofWestern Province decided rugby administration canbefound inhow the doesn’t know whattherighthandisdoingin will bemissed. a temptationtodismisstheideathatCEOs game constantly seemstofinditself, there’s it isthey dobecauseofthestrife inwhichthe The catch is,having beenannouncedas Meyer was scheduled toleave theBullsonly at Not topickasideonwhowas rightorwrong in But anexample ofhow thelefthand ACM powder keg. kind ofleadershipvacuum thatcouldbea the topendofrugby administration isthe having thatmany high-profile vacancies at unprecedented astheCovid-1 pandemic. for rugby’s leadershipthrough acrisisas an active chiefexecutive doesn’t bodewell of thecountry’s1provincial unionswithout on hiswork. after theorganisational politicssohecouldfocus been there thewholetimefor Erasmus, looking unprecedented thatwent withaneually him thehuge influence director ofrugby assie Erasmus. From giving be soenamoured by thedecisionisSouthAfrica’s ugby CEO Brett Gosper, onepersonwhowon’t at World ugby. South Africabutheisapparently very popular the divisive oux may have hisdetractors in FOLLOW HIMONTWITTE@SIMABANISA. THE 201SAB SPOTS COLUMNIST OFTHEYEA. ABANISA ISAFEELANCESPOTS WITEAND It may notseemlike itatthemoment,but Having effectively two ofthemostpowerful Should oux beappointed toreplace World Looking atthesituationloomingSA ugby, long-term contract, oux has 2020/05/04 12:38

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subs2NEW.indd 65 2020/05/05 8:12 AM Super rugby.indd 66 2020/05/04 12:16 AS SUPER RUGBY TURNED 25 THIS YEAR, SA RUGBY MAGAZINE PICKS AN ALL-TIME OVERSEAS XV FROM THE COMPETITION’S HISTORY FOREIGN

FAVOURITESWORDS: JON CARDINELLI MAIN PHOTO: NIGEL MARPLE

Super rugby.indd 67 2020/05/04 12:16 ow does one go about the . The controversial selecting the best foreign was the competition’s finest all-round fullback Super Rugby side of the during his tenure with the Waratahs. Cullen, past 25 years? So much however, still ranks among the best No 15s has changed since the the game has ever seen. The Hurricanes and game went professional All Blacks legend’s potency is best illustrated in 1996. The Super Rugby by his strike rate – 56 tries in 85 matches. tournament itself has been tweaked and altered 14. (New Zealand) repeatedly to accommodate Howlett will be remembered as one of the more teams and formats. best finishers in the tournament. The wing, How does one settle on who won the 2003 title with a rampant a single player in each side, finished his career with more Super position given the quality of talent produced Rugby tries than any other player (59). in Australasia over the years? Indeed, one could pick three composite XVs capable of 13. (Australia) beating a World XV during the same period. The outside centre scored 1 037 points for In an attempt to be objective, I’ve favoured the Brumbies in 138 matches. That record the top achievers over the past quarter of a included a whopping 55 tries. Mortlock was century. It shouldn’t surprise anyone to note a fine leader and player, particularly in high that the team is stacked with New Zealanders, pressure situations. given that the Kiwi franchises claimed 17 out of possible 24 titles during the period. 12. (New Zealand) The Crusaders claimed a hat-trick of title I’m picking Umaga ahead of other All Blacks wins at the turn of the century and then legends Ma’a Nonu and Aaron Mauger. Umaga proceeded to win three consecutive trophies began his career on the wing and developed between 2017 and 2019. The Cantabrians into one of the best centres of his generation. have won 10 titles in all. While the Hurricanes midfielder is best remembered for his silky passes and thumping 15. CHRISTIAN CULLEN (New Zealand) tackles, he also had a knack for finding the Who else but the Paekakariki Express? tryline, as his tally of 48 confirms. Leon MacDonald won several titles with 11. (Australia) Surprised it’s not Rupeni Caucaunibuca? The explosive Fijian lit up the game in the early 2000s. He did so for a relatively brief period, though (14 games), whereas Roff – a gifted athlete who could finish as well as create – remained at the peak of the game for far longer. Roff scored 15 tries for the Brumbies in 1997, a formidable record given the season was a lot shorter back then. He won titles with the Brumbies in 2001 and 2004 and finished third on the all-time try-scorers list with 57 touchdowns.

10. DAN CARTER (New Zealand) This was a tough call. was in four finals for the Blues, guiding the side to glory on three occasions. For pure audacity and innovation, he had no peer. Carter, though, boasted a full arsenal of weapons – as his try tally of 36 suggests. He remains the best all-round flyhalf of the period, and his status as the all-time leading point-scorer (with a haul of 1 708) highlights his quality as a goal-kicker.

9. (Australia) The Brumbies revolutionised attacking rugby at the turn of the century. Gregan, as one of the generals of that star-studded backline, is a must-pick for this all-time XV. Another who deserves a mention is TJ Perenara for his incredible try-scoring record (48) but no New Zealander or Australian has controlled a Super Rugby game like Gregan did in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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Super rugby.indd 68 2020/05/04 12:16 SUPER RUGBY OVERSEAS XV

8. KIERAN READ (New Zealand) Read made an impression in the late 2000s as a versatile ball-carrier. While he won the tournament with the Crusaders in 2008, he had to wait nine more years for his second major trophy with the franchise. Read was at the heart of the Crusaders’ success between 2017 and 2019. He still remains one of the best lineout exponents of his generation. His power and handling in open play has enhanced the Crusaders and All Blacks’ attacking options.

7. (New Zealand) The abrasive flank starred for the Crusaders during a golden era for the franchise. Thorne was a key member of the team that played in seven finals – and won five titles – between 1999 and 2006. Other blindside flanks worth mentioning include (Hurricanes), Owen Finegan (Brumbies) and ().

6. RICHIE McCAW (New Zealand) One of the most influential players and leaders of the professional era. McCaw had few peers at the breakdown. His ability to slow and often pilfer possession at the ruck was central to a hugely successful Crusaders’ managed to win trophies with hard men set the tone at the collisions for game plan. The openside flank featured in two different franchises, the Blues (2003) their teams. Retallick’s ability to run and seven finals and won four titles with the and Crusaders (2008). None of those players handle like a back, however, sets him apart. franchise. He succeeded Thorne as Crusaders compares to Whitelock, though, who has stood The All Blacks lock won two titles with the captain in 2005. tallest as a lineout manager and ball-carrier in Chiefs in 2012 and 2013. open play for more than a decade. 5. (New Zealand) 3. (New Zealand) Nathan Sharpe was a consistent performer 4. (New Zealand) The Crusaders forwards have laid the for the Reds and Force and finished his Super Like Whitelock, Retallick is versatile enough platform for the team’s success. A powerful Rugby career with 162 caps. to contribute as an enforcer in the tight and often dominant set piece has made all led the Crusaders to three straight title loose and as a distributor in the first-receiver the difference, particularly in the big playoff victories at the turn of the century, while channel. (Crusaders) and other games. Franks was on the losing side when the Crusaders progressed to the final in 2014. Over the past three years, however, he’s been one of the team’s key performers at the scrum and around the park.

2. (Australia) Paul starred for the innovative and largely successful Brumbies side of the late 1990s and early 2000s. While no heavyweight at 102kg, the hooker held his own at the set pieces and made significant contributions in open play. With Paul in tow, the Brumbies won the 2001 and 2004 tournaments.

1. (New Zealand) I can understand why some might favour , a crafty scrummager who played a record 202 games, or three-time champion for the No 1 position. I’m backing Somerville, though, for his versatility as much as his outstanding record. The Crusaders favoured Greg Feek at No 3 at the turn of the century, so Somerville was forced to pack at loosehead. Starting at No 1, he won three titles with the Crusaders (1999, 2000 and 2002). When he shifted to tighthead, he featured in five more finals

MARK NOLAN/BRENDON O’HAGAN/ROSS LAND/NICK LAHAM/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES LAHAM/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO LAND/NICK MARK NOLAN/BRENDON O’HAGAN/ROSS and won three more times.

Super rugby.indd 69 2020/05/04 12:16 Q&A.indd 70 2020/05/04 12:13 INTERVIEW BY: MAIN PHOTO: CRAIG STEVE HAAGLEWIS

Q&A.indd 71 2020/05/04 12:13 Q&A.indd 72 more comfortableand better. SeanEveritt around us, whichmadetheprocess alot everything. Butwe alsohadfamiliarfaces Definitely. Itwas amatterof resetting coachinggroup?new players a and differentwith 2020 in Sharks the at startlike freshfeel a it rewind,wedid If of my lifeand I’ve beenenjoying it. to furtherdevelop myself inotherareas This lockdown presented the opportunity trying to addsomething to measaperson. that’s allyou’re thinkingabout.SoI’mjust every dayanditcanbecomequite boring if become comfortable withonlydoingrugby keep themindoccupied.Otherwiseyou can to dosomethingotherthanplay rugby to for lifeafterrugby. I thinkit’s alsoimportant Yes, that’s somethingI’m trying to lookinto bit. a believestudying you’veI been also a chanceto becreative with our exercise. thing. It’s challenging butitalsogives us disturb theneighbours andthatsortof Obviously I do thiswhiletryingnotto so Idoa little bitof runningthere too. also got stairs leadingto my apartment busy by doingbody-weight exercises. I’ve I tryto get on thatevery dayandI keep It’s very difficult. I’ve got awatt bike so levels?fitness yourmaintaininghave How been you You’veDurban. in apartment an in been most of arather tough situation. to becreative andjusttryingto make the But we’re takingitdayby day, finding ways of us, beingtaken outof ourcomfortzones. It’s adifferent andchallengingtimefor all lockdown?in managinghave Howbeen you

coachable. There’s alotof energy. better for the coaches–players are young group, whichIthinkmakes itmuch good. Thebiggest thing isthatwe are a in uswithinthestructures hasbeenreally attack, andthe way he’s instilledconfidence deserves alotof credit too. Heruns our commendable. Aguylike DavidWilliams he hasgiven uswithinthesquadhasbeen way Seanapproaches things andthefreedom us before asanassistantto GaryGold.The has beenaround attheSharks. He’s coached

do whatever we wanted onthefield. each other’s company andjustbeingable to me. It was agreat bunchof guys. We enjoyed experience was great, it was really specialfor to usto make thosedecisions. TheBarbarians and where we can applypressure. So it’s up are feelingwhere thepressure iscomingfrom the day, we are outthere on the field.We framework andastructure but at theendof make decisionsonthefield.We’ve got a Sharks sospecial,in that we are backed to what makes ourcoaching structure atthe That’s allyou have. AndIthinkthat’s also important to go outandplaywithinstinct. and structured. Every now andthenit’s game we playtoday isprofessional, strategic around to see what couldcomefrom it.The around you. You basically threw theball went outandplayed withyour just mates was played back in theolddays, whenyou They want to bring rugby back to how it experienceBarbarians like?the was What more of myself again. career. I’ve certainlystartedto become he’s instilledin me hasbeengood formy of patience. Butyeah, theconfidence that many years, a lot of mistakes andplenty play to becomeworld class. It’s going to take a specialist position like 10, you needto 28. Sothat sunk inanditproves thatin became areally good 10 at the age of about interesting that he believed Dan Carter only when we were attheBarbariansanditwas I hada conversation withEddieJones it. at play at10 consistentlyto becomebetter my confidence. Ibelieve you needto It played amajor role inmeregaining confidence?your help flyhalfbacked at being clarity of the Did

2020/05/04 12:13

JOE ALLISON/DURAAN/BACKPAGEPIX/DAN MULLAN/SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES CURWIN BOSCH

them. So, it’s great to have those guys around you, to feed off them every now and then – their thinking process, what it was like for them at the World Cup … that sort of thing. Taking what works for them and maybe applying it to your routine and seeing what works for you. We are fortunate to spend a lot of time with them.

The Sharks had done a lot of the hard yards and topped the Super Rugby log before competition ended. How you do you view the future? It was very frustrating. We started to gain some nice momentum and we were on a good streak. We started to perfect our game model and straighten out the finer details. I think the most important thing was that we really started to enjoy our rugby again. We were keen to get to training and we didn’t want to leave; we were excited each and every day, there was good energy. It was an environment you wanted to be in. So when the lockdown happened, it was a shock to us. At the time it happened, after that Stormers game, we were all relieved because we needed the break, but obviously we didn’t know it was going to last this long and that the future was going to be this unpredictable. It’s frustrating for all of us, but at the moment our health is the most important thing. We all are looking forward to getting back on the field, whenever that is, and hopefully we can continue what we started.

Going into Super Rugby action, though, Have you had to realign what how much of a kicking strategy came into you’re hoping to achieve on the Sharks’ new brand of play? the field this year? It’s a big part of our strategy. Our whole I approached this year a bit discussion before the tournament was that differently. Previously I put a lot we needed to play to our strengths. With of pressure on myself to get into me, Louis Schreuder, and Andre the Springbok set-up and to play Esterhuizen, we felt we had a very strong for the Boks. I had sleepless nights kicking game. But then credit must also go if I wasn’t in there and it was to our wings, , Makazole Mapimpi affecting me, my daily life and and , because a kick is only everything around me. So this year as good as its chase and they have been I decided to just say, ‘You know amazing with getting those balls back for what, I’m just going to go out and us and creating the opportunities. All in all, do my best for the Sharks.’ Play the it’s about understanding where our strengths best I can, make everyone around are and using those. Not many teams expected me look as good as I can and just us to change our gameplan this year. It was take it from there. It’s obviously just a great team effort. We backed each a dream, it’s still part of my plans other’s decisions on the field whether they’re to play for the Springboks but the right or the wrong ones, we just backed first and foremost, I want to do it 100% and continued playing. We’ve got well for the Sharks. Inevitably, the ‘next job’ mentality. when a team does well, more of their players get chosen for the A few of those guys in the backline won Springboks. So my new approach the World Cup last year. How did that add has removed a lot of pressure. to the atmosphere? If you ask if I’ve achieved those It was amazing. I think a lot of the guys, goals, I think I have. I’ve played including myself, look up to them. They’ve well, I’ve learned a lot and I’ve shown us what it takes to perform at that started to enjoy my rugby. That’s top level constantly. I mean, take a guy like the most important thing, when Mapimpi; he has been performing for years. you enjoy your rugby you play From the time he was at the Kings he has better rugby. That approach is been scoring tries and he’s still scoring working for me.

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Q&A.indd 73 2020/05/04 12:13 BREAKING THROUGH

WORDS: JAMIE LYALL THE MAIN PHOTO: CHRIS KOTZE CEILING AFTER ENDURING AN ARRAY OF INJURIES, CYLE BRINK IS READY FOR A NEW CHAPTER IN ENGLAND

Brink.indd 74 2020/05/04 08:24 Brink.indd 75 2020/05/04 08:24 yle Brink is an Just occasionally, though, somebody knee. He was still recovering from shoulder obsessive, unabashed needs to apply his brakes. This year, Brink nerve damage at the time and suspects the adrenaline junkie. attacked pre-season with the Lions, longing treatment might have destabilised his joints. As a youngster in to reassert himself as one of his country’s ‘I was on medication to relax the muscles Johannesburg, he premier back rowers after a dreadful spate of around the shoulder nerve and get it moving would ‘soup’ up cars injuries. A move to the was and functioning properly again,’ Brink says. and tear around the negotiated for the new northern hemisphere ‘That obviously played a role in weakening place with his pals, season. Then, pop. His ankle blew, and with something in my knee and when we were screaming away it, Super Rugby. doing the contact session just before we to discover some ‘There was nobody near me, it was a freak played Argentina, I went into a tackle new fabled spot for accident,’ he says. ‘One minute it was fine, with one or two okes and somehow or adventure that had been filtered along the the next it was gone. I could have taken a other it snapped. boy-racer grapevine. He loves bikes and boats bit more responsibility because I think I was ‘It was a very confusing time. But I had and jet skis, and his idea of the perfect day overtraining at the time. Coming out of a long lots of support around me from my parents, out is juddering around the rugged African pre-season, you’re pushing to be as ready as family and friends, and that helped. I don’t expanses in a Land Cruiser. you can, and maybe you are pushing a bit too think I cooked dinner for myself once in that ‘We did what we could to the motors to hard and not investing enough in recovery. first month of recovery. And then it’s about make them as fast as possible,’ the former ‘We’d had a three-month pre-season and accepting that everything happens for a reason Lions flank says. ‘I had mates who were I was focusing so much on training. As a player, and maybe it just wasn’t your time. Get better, mechanics or big into the car scene, so you need to find a balance. All the okes who come back stronger. you knew who to take your stuff to. You’d play until they’re 37 or 38 find it quickly.’ ‘I made a full recovery from that and the hear about a place and we’d drive out there. When it comes to luck, Brink must have way the doctor fixed the knee, it should be Sometimes there’d be nothing, other times walked under every ladder and crossed paths stronger than a normal one.’ it was quite lekker. with every black cat from Johannesburg to The ankle is coming right now too, so ‘We went all over the place. We enjoyed Cape Town. Two years earlier, days before by the time the Covid-19 pandemic eases driving to a dam about an hour out of Joburg, making his Springbok debut, a teammate and Brink can fly to England, he should but we’d go anywhere, it didn’t really matter.’ landed on him in training and wrecked his be almost ready for full-contact training. ‘I COULD HAVE TAKEN A BIT MORE RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE I THINK I WAS OVERTRAINING AT THE TIME’

At 26, he feels he has done all he can at the Lions, his home union where he came of age and has played for eight years. This was to be his fourth Super Rugby campaign before fate intervened. This has been a testing time for the Lions franchise, plummeting from an incredible if agonising run of three successive finals, each ending in defeat, to ninth place in 2019. Captain colossus is now part of a revamped coaching staff, headed up by rookie , who has been shorn of many of his top assets. In Brink’s absence, his old mates have toiled, languishing at the foot of the South African Conference before the virus-enforced shutdown brought the tournament to a halt. ‘I think the Lions are used to doing things a certain way but now with a new coaching staff, it’s going to be different and it might not work for some players. That’s the main challenge,’ he says. ‘With Warren as a coach, it’s a case of guys you played with are now coaching you. It’s a weird dynamic, a big change. Warren was a captain and a leader and always had time to help guys out, so he was in a role where

Brink.indd 76 2020/05/04 08:24 CYLE BRINK

he would support those around him. It is certainly different when someone goes from ‘YOU GET SET FIGHT FOR FULL FITNESS being a player you would spend a lot of time with, to all of a sudden being on the opposite IN YOUR WAYS ‘My ankle is coming right. By the time I get over side, telling you what you can and can’t do. to Leicester, I should be pretty close to making ‘The past year has been tough, given it’s not AT ONE CLUB, SO a return to full-on rugby training. Obviously with what we’re used to. We didn’t get beaten often YOU SORT OF STOP the current situation I have a bit of time on my the previous two or three seasons and then we hands so I can get the proper rehab in. I don’t need struggled a little bit. It’s always hard to see a GROWING, YOU REACH to rush anything. I’ve set myself up with a bit of team like that not doing well, especially when a home gym and a wattbike, I can try to stay fit you’re so close to it.’ YOUR CEILING’ and follow my rehab programme. I’ve been in Built like a whisky barrel with limbs, Brink contact with Leicester, getting some work from is the sort of dynamite-fuelled breakaway them, so all the little things are helping. who ought to flourish in the English game. ago and we had a chat about the culture and ‘I was probably going to look to do the last He is immensely formidable on the carry and everything at Leicester. From then I kept tabs stages of my rehab with the Leicester medical in the tackle, and a back-row combination on them and watched them play. When the team. I had to wrap up one or two things here with and opportunity came up and I got in contact and see the surgeon for the last time to make at Leicester is an exhilarating prospect. with coach , I was keen to sure everything was fine. We would have put The hope is the move will provide him with come over and start a new challenge.’ a date on it but then this lockdown started.’ a fresh stimulus – a different and ruthless Brink is barely into middle-age as a rugby league, a European competition almost Test- player, but his rise has undoubtedly been level in its intensity, a new culture and new checked by the spree of trauma – shoulder, horizons and the chance to pit himself against ankle, knee and other injuries. the best the north has to offer. In 2014, he reached the final of the Junior ‘Before I got injured, I felt I needed to do World Championship. The team was captained something new – I can’t stay comfortable for by Handre Pollard and lost a pulsating final the rest of my life because I’m not going to to England by a point. Among the ‘Baby Boks’ grow,’ Brink says. ‘You get set in your ways group were Andre Esterhuizen, , at one club, so you sort of stop growing, you and a strong young hooker reach your ceiling. It’s almost like it becomes named Malcolm Marx. Many of that squad a bit too easy. are Boks now. Some are world champions. ‘I’ve got probably six to eight years ‘That was an unreal experience, really cool,’ of good rugby left and I felt I needed a Brink says. ‘And we didn’t have an easy road change. Earning the pound is a motivating to the final. We beat the All Blacks U20s twice factor for a lot of South Africans but it that season. doesn’t guarantee you’re going to be happy. ‘It was special putting on the Bok jersey, You’ve got limited time as a player and you even at junior ranks, and getting to play next need to do and learn as much as you can to some of those guys. Out of that junior side, and take on bigger challenges. I think 12 or 13 went on to make their senior ‘The fact it was the Tigers didn’t make it Springbok debuts. I’d like to be one of the too hard. [Former Leicester lock and coach] guys who also comes through and makes his

WESSEL OOSTHUIZEN/GORDON ARONS/ SESHIBEDI/GALLO IMAGES SESHIBEDI/GALLO ARONS/SYDNEY WESSEL OOSTHUIZEN/GORDON Richard Blaze was in South Africa a few years debut with them.’

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Brink.indd 77 2020/05/04 08:24 MIRACLE MICHAEL NEW ZEALAND-BORN MICHAEL FATIALOFA’S INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF RECOVERY FROM A FRIGHTENING SPINAL INJURY

WORDS: LIAM NAPIER MAIN PHOTO: SCOTT BARBOUR

_Michael Fatialofa.indd 78 2020/05/04 08:22 _Michael Fatialofa.indd 79 2020/05/04 08:22 visits from other family, friends and former teammates , Loni Uhila, ictor ito, , Willis Halaholo from his Hurricanes days, and Worcester players. Unable to move from the shoulders down, Fatialofa could not eat or talk as the surgery went through his throat, damaging his vocal cords. He was told to prepare for a raspy arren Lockyer-like voice. ‘The boys would come through and I couldn’t say anything. I was in pain so I would just lie there. They gathered around me and talked to each other, so it was comforting hearing their voices.’ Essential nutrients were funnelled through a nasal tube which led to a buildup that created a nasty stench. ‘I still get whiffs of that smell and it puts me off.’ After surgery Fatialofa dropped 12 kilograms – falling from 120 to 10kg. At that stage, he had to be hoisted everywhere. ‘I couldn’t do anything for myself. I had an itch on my face and I’d want to scratch it but I couldn’t. I had to have a one-on-one nurse for that month. ‘Your pride takes a hit because you can’t do anything. Someone else has to do every little thing for you. You have to learn to let go and realise how it had to be. That was bloody tough.’ aily visitors surrounding Fatialofa’s bedside have since faded to memories. The Covid-1 f anyone can provide perspective was likely to be wheelchair-bound for life, pandemic has even prevented close contact on the Covid-1 crisis, Michael such was the extreme nature of his injuries. with Tatiana, leaving Fatialofa to plough on Fatialofa can. Here is someone ‘We had everything planned, but then this with exhaustive rehab largely alone. who is acutely aware how one thing happened so there’s a lot of uncertainty ‘Being able to see everyone made it a lot event irreversibly changes life in the future,’ Fatialofa says from the Royal easier but now I have to do it by myself. It in an instant. Buckinghamshire Hospital, a specialist spinal gets tough some days with that uncertainty. Through all the pain, mental care unit. ‘You hear about this stuff happening With this type of injury, you don’t know what battles, loneliness and fear, but you never think it will happen to you. the end result will be.’ Fatialofa’s positive progress from When it did I was in total shock.’ A gaggle of 0-year-old men, many of a freak spinal injury continues to Lying next to gunshot victims, some whom are stroke patients, offer light relief inspire to show what is possible of whom Fatialofa heard take their last outside podcasts and music escapes. with faith and inner drive to breaths, there were days in intensive care ‘The crowd here is older. They all want improve each day. where he had to relive the reality of his to hear rugby stories and they share life A powerful lesson exists in his injury all over again. lessons. There’s some pretty funny yarns. willpower. ideos of Fatialofa’s ‘I had really bad neuropathic pain and they Some of them have led cool lives.’ recovery – dubbed a miracle by would give me all these drugs so I could have The inspiring part of Fatialofa’s recovery doctors – have uplifted the sporting world. a little sleep and I’d wake up and forget it had is his ability to walk again so soon – yet Yet his road ahead remains long and fraught. happened. I would try to move and I would even that process requires the strength In this revealing interview he details start panicking. It’s taken some adjustment to rise from regular falls. the success and realities associated with knowing that life is going to be different now.’ The big toe on his left foot remains his terrifying experience. While in intensive care, Tatiana stayed paralysed, which can lead to it dragging, Four months ago, Fatialofa suffered a by Fatialofa’s side. He enjoyed frequent and the hip flexor on the same side causes C4 vertebrae fracture and spinal contusion issues too. Balance and mobility have, when carrying the ball into contact, one however, improved more than many medical minute after coming on to the field in an ‘YOUR PRIDE TAKES professionals predicted it ever would. English Premiership match between Worcester ‘It’s getting better but a couple of weeks and Saracens. A HIT BECAUSE YOU ago a little gust of wind would have sent The 2-year-old, a Super Rugby title- me over.’ winning lock with the Hurricanes in 201, CAN’T DO ANYTHING. Four hours of physio, occupational therapy spent four weeks in London’s St Mary’s and pool sessions each day takes its toll but Hospital – three in intensive care. SOMEONE ELSE HAS these sustained efforts are paying off as he Having signed with a Top 14 club for TO DO EVERY LITTLE seeks to regain strength and endurance. the 2021-22 season, Fatialofa went from ‘I’m making lots of progress. I’m pretty scheduling French lessons with newly THING FOR YOU’ much walking unassisted now. They still wedded wife, Tatiana, to being told he don’t fully trust me on my own so outside

_Michael Fatialofa.indd 80 2020/05/04 08:22 IRCLE ICEL

I walk with a crutch but inside the hospital I hobble around, which is pretty cool. ‘I’M QUITE TOUGH ‘For a while it was uncertain whether I was going to be in a wheelchair for life, so I’m ON MYSELF – I’M grateful for that. ‘I have my days when I don’t feel like doing ALWAYS STRIVING the rehab. Coming from a rugby background FOR THE NEXT I know how to grind things out. I always turn up to my sessions and do my best even if I’m THING ... I DIDN’T not really feeling it.’ Many obstacles remain, however. WANT TO BE ‘You see people with spinal cord injuries but you don’t really realise how it affects A BURDEN ON internal organs.’ MY FAMILY’ These include the bowel, bladder and body heat functions – damage often sustained by car-crash victims. Staying patient is easier said than done. ‘Heaps of things have been tough. I touch ‘There’s still that desire I’m not happy with things and they don’t feel the same any more. where I’m at and I want more. Being confined There’s a reduced sensation all over. I’ve been to a hospital for so long and now with this struggling with my hands and arms a bit. Covid situation I’m going a little bit crazy, I’m still pretty early in my recovery and I’ve but I know if I grind out this period well, achieved a lot but there’s still so much to do. ROAD TO RECOVERY it will be beneficial in the long term.’ I know it’s going to be a lifetime of constant In the immediate aftermath of the accident rehab. That’s where I’m at. I’m doing all this Professional rugby players are well remunerated he was humbled as messages flooded in from rehab and I don’t know if I’m going to get my but what happens when the tap is suddenly European clubs and ew ealand Super Rugby hands back. It’s a tug of war every day in my turned off? teams. Attention then turned to seeking mind but I’ve got a good support crew.’ Michael Fatialofa was 27 when his accident advice from others in similar positions. ow Through the dark moments, Fatialofa’s left him seemingly bound to a wheelchair for life. he has regained the use of his right thumb, Christian faith pushes him to further defy He has begun to fight back but his transition Fatialofa is intent on returning the favour. the odds. to post-rugby life occurred overnight and will be ‘There’s a community of people with spinal While proud of the remarkable steps he’s full of personal and financial challenges. injuries. They’re the only ones that really made, there’s no overwhelming sense of Through his JustGiving page, Fatialofa hopes to know what I’m going through. Being able to achievement yet. raise funds to support his long-term rehabilitation. pick their brains for tips has been helpful. ‘I’m quite tough on myself – I’m always He faces an uncertain future with regard to ‘It’s been out of my comfort zone to have striving for the next thing. When I look back mobility, damaged function, feeling and control a spinal injury. ow I’m trying to use what a couple of weeks I can say I can do things over his body but also with future career and I’ve learned to help other people who are now I was praying for. I didn’t want to be work prospects. going through it. Every time I get a message a burden on my family and have to be taken Donations will help cover his immediate I always try to reply and give them a bit of care of every day.’ necessities as well as future finances, costs information or help.’ As walking improves, worries about his and unforeseen expenses. Reminiscing over his rugby journey that upper body persist. A recent push-up attempt Restart, the official charity of the Rugby Players’ ran from Mount Albert Grammar, through brought him down to earth. Association, will be managing Fatialofa’s JustGiving Southland and Ponsonby, where he made oing menial tasks so often overlooked, campaign page. good on a promise to All Blacks legend Sir like putting on shoes and clothes, takes All funds donated and raised via this page Bryan Williams who first spotted him at a Bill Fatialofa so much longer. aturally, this (www.justgiving.com/campaign/michaelfatialofa) McLaren tournament, and on to Auckland, the brings frustration, having led such an will go directly to supporting Fatialofa and his Hurricanes and Worcester, Fatialofa cherishes active, explosive life. family only. the camaraderie. ‘Rugby was just a bit of fun. I know I’ll miss hanging out with the boys.’ Holding a grudge against the sport would only seem natural but, once again, Fatialofa shrugs off any sense of resentment. He is instead grateful for the support from the player bodies in England and ew ealand, and to those who continue to donate through his JustGiving page, with those funds contributing to rehabilitation costs that will long stretch on. Once released from the spinal care unit, Fatialofa plans to use the Worcester facilities and physiotherapists before returning to his family home in Te Atatu, west Auckland, by the end of the year. In many ways his inspiring, resilient journey that offers hope to many others has merely begun. ‘The cards have been dealt, but I’m

SULIED/HENRY BROWNE/MAR TANTRUM/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO IMAGES IMAGES/GALLO TANTRUM/GETTY BROWNE/MAR SULIED/HENRY just trying to make the best of it now.’

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Swimsuit.indd 3 2020/05/04 14:20 E RYAN VREDE NT S CLN SER MAN JOHAN GOOSEN’S CAREER IS A STUDY OF WHY TEMPERAMENT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TALENT

remember my first in-person interview he conceded that he’ll probably never play with ohan Goosen clearly, despite it another Test, and he’s probably right. taking place more than seven years ago. If talent is the lens we look through when I was a young writer without the reuisite assessing his international career, his would where Goosen, who is on a reported 2-million emotional intelligence or experience to be a rugby tragedy. But temperament, not contract with Montpellier, laments being away understandI that talent alone counted for little talent, is the defining characteristic of athletes from the family farm in Burgersdorp. He intimates at rugby’s elite levels. Goosen, then 20, was the who build long and successful careers at their that a return to South Africa is imminent. This most talented flyhalf in the country. sport’s highest level. Indeed, the most successful doesn’t surprise me. Having watched all the YouTube tributes to flyhalves of South Africa’s post-isolation era The interview I referenced at the start of this the high school prodigy, I’d been caught up in have not been exceptionally talented. They’ve column happened on his day off. Once we’d the absurdity of his 0m goal kicks, marvelled had temperament in truckloads. wrapped up, he jumped in his bakkie and drove at his running game and chalked off an indifferent oel Stransky’s composure under pressure nearly three hours to spend what remained of start to his professional career to a natural united a nation in 15. Butch ames’ mind the day on the family farm. He told me he’d have adaptation period. I came into the interview was focused and sharp, and his heart globe- to drive back at :0am the next day to make as a super fan and my glowing feature in this sized as he guided the Springboks to their the am training session in Bloemfontein. This, magazine reflected that at the time. second world crown in 200. Morne Steyn was he said, was how he spent all his free time. When handed Goosen his a match-winner with the boot in their triumph I was therefore not too surprised when he debut against Australia in Perth, I thought over the British Irish Lions in 200. And Handre walked away from a freshly inked, multimillion it was the beginning of a long career, one Pollard, who Goosen pips for natural talent but euro contract with acing 2 and retired abruptly that featured a style of play we’d not seen pales in temperament, steered the Boks to in 201 to become a commercial director at from a Bok flyhalf since Henry Honiball. victory at the World Cup in 201. a saddle-horse stud farm in Bloemfontein. He But Goosen has played just 1 Tests, his Two things prompted me to revisit this later reversed the decision, citing among other last was in November 201. Two years ago subject the first being a recent interview things Montpellier’s outdoor lifestyle appeal, when compared to the densely populated . The second catalyst for this column was watching The Last Dance, a documentary series GOOSEN WAS MEANT TO BE OUR SUPERMAN that follows Michael ordan and his Chicago Bulls during their final season. It culminates in them winning a sixth NBA championship in eight years. IN A SPRINGBOK JERSEY BUT IT TURNS OUT ordan was a freak insomuch as he possessed supernatural levels of talent and temperament. It was, however, the latter that would define his IT WAS HIS KRYPTONITE career. The sheer number of game-winning shots ordan sunk, many of those for championships, speaks to the assertion that at sport’s highest levels, being a clutch player demands the mind to create a uiet work space for talent to flourish. Goosen has enjoyed a good career. He is a star in French club rugby and has monetised his talent to the nth degree. I’ve probably projected my own expectations on to him, which ultimately means nothing if he is content with how his career has unfolded. I don’t know how he feels but I’d be surprised if he didn’t, in moments of brutal honesty, think 1 Test caps were well short of what he should have played, given his talent. Athletes gifted in the way Goosen is, know exactly how good they are. There is an inner voice that reminds them of it daily. It is central to their rise from childhood talents to household names. But when that self-belief is assaulted, particularly in those who have not suffered any form of setback in their formative years which was Goosen’s experience, it is experienced as an insurmountable mental obstacle. Goosen was meant to be our Superman in a Springbok jersey, but it turns out it was his kryptonite.

YAN EDE IS A SENIO SPOTS OUNALIST AND THE EDITO OF MAN MAGAINE. FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTE @YAN_EDE. GAIN BARER/BAAGEI GAIN

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MIDDLEINTERVIEW: SARAH MOCKFORD MAIN PHOTO: SEBASTIEN NOGIER AS WELSH REFEREE NIGEL OWENS APPROACHES A CAREER MILESTONE, HE DISCUSSES WHAT LAW HE’D CHANGE, DEALING WITH ABUSE AND HIS FAVOURITE MATCH

How can rugby get more people involved levels. It’s part of the theatre of it all and Barnes or Nigel Owens. They want to be on in refereeing? if spectators don’t like your decision they’ll telly every week and be a professional in the We have a huge number of young referees in tell you. But when it crosses that line from sport, but only a handful make it to the top. Wales but many drop out for various reasons. rugby humour to something personal and There are only 12 referees at the World Cup. When I take referee courses, I tell young nasty, that is totally different. I’ve seen some young referees get to a certain referees to do school and kids’ games because The abuse of young referees by some level and then, when they’re told that unless that’s where you learn. That’s where I started. parents and coaches is not acceptable, and they show signs of improvement they won’t But they are also difficult games because of if a spectator does cross the line they need take the next step up, they pack it in. They’re parents. Governing bodies need to make sure to be dealt with in the proper way. Getting in refereeing for the wrong reason. parents and coaches, particularly at kids’ that out of the game would help with the Above all, you must want to go into games, abide by the rules and values of rugby. retention of referees. refereeing because you’re passionate about You need to be a certain type of person to Also, a lot of young referees are ambitious the sport and enjoy it as a hobby. If you’re be a referee because you will get abuse at all and start out to become the next Wayne good at it, you’ll naturally climb the l

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SAR Q&A.indd 86 2020/05/04 08:18 SAR Q&A.indd 87 2020/05/04 08:18 NIGEL OWENS

refereeing ladder and go into refereeing as a job. Most of the referees who’ve reached the top didn’t get into it because they wanted to be an international referee but because they enjoyed it. They gave it a go at their local club on a Sunday morning and enjoyed it. Those referees will stay in the sport.

Do you think there’s too much backchat from players? When I’m refereeing a game, I don’t see or feel that. If I did, I’d have a word with them and deal with it in an appropriate way. But it is creeping into the game; players questioning referees or wanting things checked by the TMO. I think it’s a refereeing issue in allowing it to happen. Some referees want to be pally and friendly with players, they want to be mates with players. It’s good to be friends with players and I’m good mates with plenty How do you respond if you feel you’ve of players, but on that field they’re not your made a bad decision? mates. You’re there to referee a game of It does play on your mind. I can be driving rugby and deal with situations appropriately. home after a game thinking, ‘Did I get that Calling people by their first name or saying, right? How the hell did I get that wrong?’ ‘Come here, mate’ opens up dialogue and I care about doing my best on the field players think they can have a go at you at for the players and if I get it wrong I’m any time. I’m more than open to dialogue disappointed not just for myself but for on the field at the right time and place and the players; I feel sometimes like I’ve let in the right way. If players cross the line as them down if I get a decision wrong. to what’s acceptable, then I’ll deal with it. I might have a restless night if I’ve got It’s something we, as referees, are in control something wrong but the following day you of. When you’re refereeing, if you deal with dust yourself down, learn from it and move issues then players abide by the values of on to the next game. I’ve learned not to the game. dwell on it.

Should referees be more open about If you could change one law, what performances – answer media questions, would it be? explain decisions and so on? Substitutions. There are eight people on It’s a tricky one. I wouldn’t have any issue a bench, which is more than half a team. doing it myself; I’d be more than happy to The second half of a game becomes stop- say, ‘Now that I’ve seen this again, I got the start because you’ve got substitutions being decision wrong.’ But it just opens up a can to explain decisions and the laws, to help made, so I think changing that law would of worms. You get 99 decisions perfectly educate the audience. You can say the help the flow of the game. right and the one decision they want to decision is right or wrong, but do it in It would free up a lot more players to talk about is the one you may have got a way where you can explain the decision play in other games too. For example, last wrong for whatever reason. Talking about and the decision-making process so you’re year in Wales there were 16 teams in the abusing the referee, if there’s that line of helping people understand. If the referee Premiership with eight players on the bench. communication where he can say he was hasn’t got it right, you can explain why Sixteen times eight [128] is a huge number wrong, the abuse starts there and then. he’s probably not got it right, ‘This is what of players sitting on the bench. They could What I would like to see is to have he’s looking at and seeing from where he’s be playing for someone else, their local team. a referee as part of the punditry team, positioned, so there’s no way he’s seen this.’ It would free up numbers for the community game lower down. Also, if you have players who have to play only 50 minutes a game, they build up to a bigger size because they only need to last half the game. If you have to play the full 80 minutes, you’d naturally be carrying less weight into the game. To me, if you reduce the bulk and size of players, you reduce the impact in the sport, the collisions, and maybe then that would lessen the risk of injuries. I’d reduce substitutions down from eight to four or five. And you could only use substitutions when there was an injury, not when a player was tired. Then once a player

comes off with injury, they can’t go back on. IMAGES MULLEN/GETTY IMAGES/GALLO AU-YEUNG/DAN BARDENS/ANTHONY R. CRISTINO/STEVE BOTTERILL/MARK SHAUN

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SAR Q&A.indd 88 2020/05/04 08:18 You’re in line to be the first person to age group. The game was referee 100 Tests. What would that on a Sunday in January and mean to you? I said, ‘No problem.’ He said I’ve never been one for refereeing just to he wouldn’t tell the kids so get numbers. I referee because I enjoy it. it was a surprise. If I’m good enough, whatever level I’m at, I was refereeing Leicester I’ll carry on refereeing. vs Ulster at Welford Road on I’m aware I’m only two away from 100 and the Saturday night at 5:30pm it would be something special to get to there, in the European Cup. I rang a great honour and a privilege. I won’t carry Pencoed and said I’d drive on just for the sake of getting 100, though. back straight after the game Only if I’m still enjoying it and still good but could they put the kick- enough to do it at that level. off back an hour or so from 10.30am, so they moved it What’s next when you do retire? to midday. Farming will take up a lot of my time. The kids didn’t know I’ve got a herd of Herefords. Then things I was coming, so to see their I’ve not been able to do, like spending time faces brighten up and jaws with family and doing a lot of stuff at home. drop when I walked into the And I’ll be staying involved with the WRU in changing rooms was the best some capacity, coaching other referees and thing for me. Then their little that side of things. wing said: ‘I hope you referee better today than last night!’ What was your favourite match to referee? That’s what it’s all about. There are European Cup finals, the 2015 World Cup final, that epic South Africa Who has been the best captain Who is the best player in the world vs New Zealand game in 2013, England to deal with? right now? vs France on Six Nations Super Saturday in I’ve worked with so many great captains I’d go for another Frenchman – Antoine 2015 – that was a wonderful game of rugby – Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell, Richie Dupont. He’s a brilliant player and I think at Twickenham. All of those have been very McCaw, , Chris Robshaw was he’ll go on to be one of the stars of French special. The one that really stands out for always good, Rory Best. The one who and world rugby. me, though, is a Pencoed U12s game. I did probably stands out, because English is He’s totally different to the majority a Q&A at Pencoed with Dan Lydiate a couple his second language as well, is Thierry of scrumhalves. He’s quiet on the field, of years ago and the coach of the U12s asked Dusautoir. He’s an absolute gentleman as you never see him complaining or waving if I’d referee the cup final between Pencoed a player and a captain, on and off the field, his arms in the air. He’ll say, ‘Mr Nigel, and Cwmbran, I think it was. They were win or lose. I always found him excellent; can I ask you something?’ He’s absolutely the two unbeaten sides in Wales at that he was a pleasure and a delight to referee. brilliant to referee.

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SAR Q&A.indd 89 2020/05/04 08:18 DREAM TEAM MY PERFECT XV

THE FORMER SHARKS AND BIARRITZ 15. CHRISTIAN CULLEN He was a PROP PICKS A TEAM OF THE BEST HE counter-attacking threat and with close by, caused countless headaches. HAS PLAYED ALONGSIDE AND AGAINST 14. JONAH LOMU My first Super Rugby match was against the Hurricanes in Durban. WITH EDUARD COETZEE I remember wondering how I would tackle him. 13. BRIAN O’DRISCOLL A huge threat on attack, his presence added an extra 15% J to any team he played for. 12. DAMIEN TRAILLE He had wonderful vision and could play as a backup at 10. 11. He scored a memorable try when he rounded Bryan Habana in the 2007 RWC and also scored a majestic try in the European Cup semi-finals in 2010 when he JOHN SMIT (c) ran 90m and outsprinted . SYLVAIN MARCONNET CENSUS JOHNSTON 10. BUTCH JAMES He had the skills of a kicking flyhalf but could get the backline going. Also a great human being. 9. He had huge BMT. He was a great kicker and when he was on top of his game, his team was tough to beat. 8. A classic No 8. He would have probably been the best in the world had he played for a bigger country than Italy. 7. A great JEROME THION BAKKIES BOTHA lineout forward. The true Basque Warrior. 6. SCHALK BURGER He never stopped. He was tough, but a great gentleman. 5. BAKKIES BOTHA The only player I knew who could keep a whole opposition pack busy. 4. JEROME THION His nickname was ‘Machine’ and he was a great player. A really strong man who was useful in the scrum. 3. CENSUS JOHNSTON An immense human SCHALK BURGER IMANOL HARINORDOQUY being. He was strong with great ball skills. 2. JOHN SMIT (c) He was my captain at the U18 Craven Week in 1996, at the Junior World SERGIO PARISSE Championships in 1999 and at the Sharks. He’s a natural leader and great scrummager. 1. SYLVAIN MARCONNET He had all the tricks in the book. A solid scrummager and he niggled you throughout an entire game.

DIMITRI YACHVILI BUTCH JAMES DAMIEN TRAILLE

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL

TAKUDZWA NGWENYA JONAH LOMU IMAGES HAAG/GALLO SUPPLIED/STEVE

90 CHRISTIAN CULLEN

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