Paul de Villiers was at primary school in George when Springbok Heinrich Brüssow was blowing away the British and Irish Lions at the breakdown during the 2009 series, and he liked what he saw.
The stocky De Villiers has the same dimensions as Brüssow in his prime (1.80m, 99kg), and he admits he modelled much of his game on the brilliant Free State fetcher.
“It is hard to single out guys, but yes, I watched a lot of Brüssow’s rugby, and I definitely learned from how he tackled the breakdown,” said De Villiers.
The 23-year-old was speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg on Monday. The Stormers flank is poised to play either for the SA ‘A’ team against Zimbabwe or the Springboks against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday.
“As I played more rugby through my school years, I formed into a fetcher role, but I hope that is not the only thing I contribute,” said De Villiers, who is a former Junior Springbok captain.
“I learned a lot from watching top players at the breakdown. I am still learning, and right now from guys like Siya (Kolisi), Siba (Mahashe) and Emmanuel (Tshituka), the sixes in the squad. I have stuff I bring to the table, but Siya adds things I can learn, so it is good to listen, watch, and learn.”
But making turnovers is his De Villiers rugby signature — he made 19 in the United Rugby Championship, the second most, and just one below Turnover King Jeandre Rudolph of the Bulls.
De Villiers was asked if making a turnover is like a football player scoring a goal, or a cricketer hitting a six.
“I suppose it is the same thrill,” he smiled. “It is part of my job to make turnovers, and when you get off the field and have contributed in that area, it feels good.”
De Villiers is delighted to be part of the expanded national squad and said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in camp.
“It’s only been a week, but it’s been awesome, and I’ve learned a lot,” said De Villiers.
“We have great players in the squad, who we are all learning a lot from, so it’s a perfect scenario. We also have good coaches who are great at giving advice.”
Asked what the main differences for him have been between provincial rugby and being in the Springbok set-up, he said: “The training standards have been a massive thing.
“You are competing against guys that play for the Springboks, and all the players want to be here, so the intensity of the training sessions is a main difference.”
De Villiers admitted that he is experiencing a mix of nerves and excitement ahead of the weekend. “I wouldn’t say the penny has dropped (that he is about to become a Springbok). For me, the main thing will be to get the job done on the field, although there are some nerves.
“I’m just super excited to get on the field, whether it is against Zim or the Barbarians. I just want to contribute.”
