Jean named Bok skipper
4 Jun 2012
Jean de Villiers has been appointed Springbok captain for the three-Test series against England.
The issue of the Springboks captaincy has been a source of debate since Heyneke Meyer was announced as coach in January. He insisted then that he would take his time in making the decision and had initially identified Victor Matfield as his man.
However, an IRB ruling prevented Matfield’s immediate return from retirement and Meyer was forced to turn his attention to Fourie du Preez, who then ruled himself out, citing his belief that he was not mentally and physically prepared to return to international rugby.
Following this, De Villiers, who has lead the Stormers with distinction, was widely expected to be offered the opportunity to lead his country and he described it as the highlight of his career.
‘I made my debut for the Springboks 10 years ago and this feels like I’m that 21-year-old getting my first cap again,’ he said.
Meyer stressed that De Villiers’ appointment was only for the England series, after which the position would be reviewed. He spoke glowingly of De Villiers but cautioned him and future captains that their form would always be the primary criteria for selection.
‘I have a lot of admiration for Jean as a human being. Jean has a lot of integrity and a great work ethic. I always pick the personality first before I pick the player and he has always impressed me,’ Meyer said.
‘I’ve always been a big believer that the pack follows the leader’s pace. He sets the standard and that’s why I took time in ensuring that I had the right leader. A weak army with a great leader will always beat a great army with weak leadership. With the Springboks we’re lucky to have a great army and a great leader.
‘But I want to send the clear message that not even the captain is sure of his position. He has to perform. That doesn’t mean I don’t have confidence in him. He has been playing great rugby.’
De Villiers said he was acutely aware of the pressure that comes with his elevation but added that he has had a great education in his time as a professional both in Super Rugby and Tests.
‘I’ve had the privilege of playing under some great captains,’ he said. ‘I debuted under Corne Krige and Bob Skinstad was in the mix then as well. Then there’s Smitty [John Smit] and Victor [Matfield] and I know Andre Vos well as well. So I’ll take all that was good about them and add my own touch as well and lead the way I see fit.’
He added: ‘The only reason that I’ve been successful with the Stormers is that the guys have followed and help. A leader is only as strong as his team. I’ll rely a lot on the senior boys.’
Meyer won’t name his vice-captain until Wednesday but explained that there is an abundance of competent leaders within the squad who would offer De Villiers support and advice.
De Villiers meanwhile added that despite the time constraints on the team, they wouldn’t rely on an emotional appeal to rouse the team to the level of performance they needed to beat what he described as ‘a very good England team’.
‘From a technical point we need to get the principles in place and focus on what we want to achieve. The emotion will be there. We’ll focus on the technical stuff and later in the week the emotional appeal will come.’
By Ryan Vrede, in Durban
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757 Comments
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5 Jun 2012, 08:06 am
@Manona(Manona)-747:
Yeah those Fijians can motor, Tikoirotuma I think played for Whanganui, then Manawatu in ITM last year,was pretty good there, now hes gone to a new level with the Chiefs. Don’t know if hes played for Fiji yet.
5 Jun 2012, 08:31 am
Good luck Jean – leading a team with 14 men and one show pony against England means you will have your work cut out for you…especially if the show pony is bound to be your vice captain
5 Jun 2012, 08:56 am
Fact is JdV is the best choice. The issue is that, that was never a debate because Strauss was never gonna start before Bissie, therefore HM should have made this anouncement on Sunday. Now whatever his reasons are, they are tainted because of the outcry from the rest of the country.
5 Jun 2012, 09:14 am
@Ngqawa(Ngqawa)-753: Meyer wanted the Bulls to beat the Stormers, so they topped the SA conference and he could justify and get away with making a Bull captain too. Now he just looks like a one dimensional coach with no insight other then backing his old favourites.
5 Jun 2012, 10:00 am
@CoachPete(CoachPete)-709: HM has already bullshitted us about a few things. I am sure Posh Spies will make the team.
5 Jun 2012, 21:13 pm
http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/06/06/campo-springboks-go-combinations-youngsters/
for all you stupid phucks that keep on whining and not supporting your coach HM and his selection of boks to face the english – read it and wheep!!!!
5 Jun 2012, 23:47 pm
RYECATCHER to TOAD.
mportant questions for you on other thread..Questions about sexual
proclivities being raised.. Cannot believe it.Please defend.
How I despise bullies/
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