eben must get back to his cool collected self…

Bagshot, England – A new generation of second-row “enforcers” go head to head at Twickenham on Saturday as Joe Launchbury of England and Eben Etzebeth of South Africa find themselves with the daunting label at the tender age of 21.

Etzebeth has already earned rave reviews after nine Tests filling the boots of former Springbok hard man Bakkies Botha while Launchbury will make his first start after similarly impressing the England management in his two appearances off the bench.

Etzebeth is free to play having been cleared of an eye gouging charge in last week’s win over Scotland, and having gone toe to toe with Australia’s Nathan Sharpe in the Rugby Championship, with just a hint of a headbutt thrown in for good measure, he, at 2.03m and 123 kg, is clearly not a man to be intimidated.

But then nor is Launchbury, who was brought in by Stuart Lancaster as one of six changes from last week’s defeat by Australia to add some beef to the pack.

Five centimetres shorter and eight kilograms lighter, Launchbury is nevertheless a real force and he is looking forward to meeting up with Etzebeth again having beaten him and his South African side in last year’s under-20s world championship.

“Eben’s doing a great job, he’s six months younger than me and he’s playing his 10th Test so he’s doing fantastically,” Launchbury told reporters on Thursday.

“If I can get up to his standards then that’s great for me. He wasn’t so well known when we played in the under-20s and I’ve got very fond memories of that game. We pipped it 26-20 but it was close right to the end.

“This Saturday is a big physical game for my first start but I do really enjoy the physical side of things.”

Launchbury’s eyes were opened to South African rugby when he spent two months training with Eastern Province two years ago.

Sent by his new club Wasps to work on his fitness, he discovered quickly that it was sink or swim.

“My first day there I was literally straight off the plane and they said ‘right, live scrums and mauls tomorrow morning at 8am’ so I thought ‘ah, so that’s how you do things over here’ and it was a bit of a culture shock,” he said.

“I’d gone from playing semi-pro rugby so it was a massive step up, the physicality was huge and it really hit me.

“It’s a real macho rugby culture but I got used to it quickly and by the end I didn’t want to come home.”

Having toughened himself up physically, Launchbury soon found he had some mental development to do as chaos off and on the field at Wasps last year meant he became a regular for the London club when most of his peers in the Premiership were playing reserve games.

“At the start of the season we thought we were going to have a strong squad but we were decimated with injuries to the forwards and there were times when we had eight or nine guys under-20 starting, which in the Premiership is not ideal,” he said.

“So we really had to grow up and play above our age, get stuck into matches and not be too scared of our opposition.

“I played a lot of games last year that might have been stretched over two or three years so it was good for me and I had to take a leading role in that pack.

“It was a steep learning curve for all of us and we’ve been able to kick on.”

The result is a place in an England set-up geared very much for an assault on the 2015 World Cup with Lancaster giving opportunities to the new generation.

Launchbury, who grew up idolising World Cup winning-captain and fellow lock Martin Johnson, says it is a place he can thrive.

“There are a lot of young guys with not too many caps and there are no egos, no extended groups,” he said.

“Everyone’s in it together and it’s a fantastic environment for me to learn from.”

The clash at Twickenham kicks-off at 16:30 (SA time) on Saturday.

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Renick asked:
Hi Jean.

It looks like things are coming together slowly but surely. How”s the body holding up and what”s your plans for the future? You are one of best centres ever the problem is you can”t play every game. Do you think if you are managed better we can squeeze one more world cup out of you?

Jean de Villiers answered:
As I’m moving on in my career Renick, my aim is really to take things one season at a time. If I’m lucky enough to make it to 2015, I’ll gladly take it, but if it doesn’t happen, so be it.

Pieter asked:
Hi Jean

Thanks for this upportunity and well done on a succesfull tour so far! My one question is, with 4 different flyhalves in the springbok games this year, do they all get to play their own game in the overall game plan or are they told to play in a certain way regardless?

Good luck with England!

Jean de Villiers answered:
Thanks for the support Pieter. To use the Afrikaans saying – “ons sal nooit iemand in ‘n blik druk nie” – we will always allow our players to follow their heads. Everyone involved knows what we want to achieve and how we want to do that.

Andries Becker asked:

Good Day Jean

There has been a massive debate regarding the distribution skills of our back line and the amount of ball our wings see due to the fact that the ball does not get past yourself or number 9 or 10 that often. Can you please elaborate why this is or seems that way.

Behind you and the boys 100%

Jean de Villiers answered:

I’m afraid there is no easy explanation for that Andries. If there is enough space and it’s on, we’ll spread the ball. If not, we won’t, but that is dependent on the field position and the defensive lines of the opposition.

Alex asked:

Hi Jean! Big Stormers fan and think your doing a outstanding job as Bok Captain! My question is looking forward to next year. With the Super rugby campaign being so long physically and mentally, will it be sensible to “rest” a couple of Boks during the Super games so that they can perform better in the Green & Gold? Or will they leave it to the coaching team to manage and train the players “on-the-go”. Your thoughts on this.

Kind Regards
Alex

Jean de Villiers answered:

Thanks for the compliment Alex. Unfortunately I can’t comment on that, because it rests in the hands of the rugby bosses. But I’d like to believe all our coaching teams are looking at helping the national cause wherever possible.

Reon asked:

Hi Jean, thanks for your time! Huge fan of yours! 1question, what within the English gameplan/team do you see as weakpoint to attack and maybe capatilize on? I think personaly England lack defence out wide and on 10(Toby flood).. Defently 2channels we can attack! All of the best and good luck!

Jean de Villiers answered:

Interesting observations Reon. As this will hit cyber space before the Test, it would be better if I didn’t answer! No, only kidding. They are a very well balanced side and don’t have any weaknesses.

Jacques de Wet asked:

Hey Jean, I realise each game is different because of the opposition but why is it that we never see trained backline moves with the boks anymore. With this I mean the players running lines, switches, decoys etc. The SA public is crying out for some flair in the backline. The forwards are getting us great ball. In the last couple of games there were plenty of opportunities in the right areas of the pitch to unleash some backline moves but it wasn`t forthcoming.

Jean de Villiers answered:

We’re getting there Jacques – do you remember the try Bryan scored at Soccer City? That was from a planned move. Sadly the defences are so good these days, it’s difficult to get the fancy stuff going, but if the opportunity is there, we’ll definitely try.

Neal Prinsloo asked:

Hey Jean,

Being under coach Pieter De Villiers, and Jake White, and now Heyneke Meyer, as a current brilliant rugby player, what is your opinion on being Senior Bok coach? Would you ever venture into coaching the Boks one day?

Hope that all prep goes well before the England game on this Weekend!

Bok4Life
Neal.

Jean de Villiers answered:

Neal, that is a good question. I’ve not really thought that far, as I’m still enjoying playing too much, but who knows what the future might hold?

******** asked:

Firstly i have to say to you Jean, you seem to be a perfect fit as Springbok Captain. Question, how can SA Rugby reach the intensity of All blacks Rugby? They always seem to be producing excellent talent and are consistent in their play. Their results speak for themselves over the years. We play them year in year out in Super rugby and the Championship rugby competition, yet we seem to be step or 2 behind. What do you think it comes down to and how can we reach their level, consistantly?

Jean de Villiers answered:

Thanks ********. Comparing us with the All Blacks, to my mind, is futile. We’re different rugby playing nations with different strengths and weaknesses. They are doing very well at the moment and we’d like to be there as well, but in doing that, we need to do what we do best without trying to copy them.

Cameron asked:
Hi Jean,

I”m an South African student studying in Canada and religiously follow the Boks, always waking up early for the games and will never stop.

We all know this season hasn”t been our best, for understandable reasons, and the future looks bright. But my question is one I”m sure you hear all the time, have we not just become too predictable? A big theme this season has been lack of execution, but does our execution have to be 110% because our opponents know exactly what to expect from the Boks, so if we stray its very easy to shut us down?

There”s plenty merit in our current approach, but surely we have to supplement it with something fresh in order to challenge for that no.1 position?

A Bok fan through thick and thin,
Cheers

Jean de Villiers answered:

Thanks for the support from afar Cameron. We’re evolving all the time, but the most important thing at this stage is to get the basics right and we’re getting there. Rugby changes and so do teams, but we’ve been very good in patches this year and need to look at getting that “80 minute performance”.

Carey-Anne asked:

What do you think the biggest thing that has to be improved before the match with England on Saturday

Jean de Villiers answered:
Carey-Anne, probably our discipline and to a lesser extent out execution.

Riaan asked:
Hi Cap!
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Here”s mine:
How much time do you think a midfield combination needs to spend together to start really gelling? You have been paired with so many centers and fly-halfs this season it must get frustrating.

Jean de Villiers answered:

Riaan, playing with the best players in the country is never frustrating, but it does take time for combinations to settle. Having said that, I think we’re improving weekly and I’m excited about what the future holds.

Louis asked:

Having also been involved in sport, I always found it hard to lift my game right at the end of the season. I know the bok management always say that the intensity will be there, but how do the players feel about this weekend”s game?

Jean de Villiers answered:

We can’t wait Louis. If any Springbok lacks motivation ahead of playing England at Twickenham, he should not come close to a rugby field.

Mark Otto asked:

You were quoted earlier this year when you were handed the honour of captaining the Springboks, “I believe the one thing that is non-negotiable for a captain is that he makes the right plays and makes the right decisions under pressure. That”s how I would like to define myself.” How do you feel the role of captain has affected you”re performance on the park as a player? And referring to you”re quote, do you feel you”re making those big plays and the right decisions under pressure for the Springboks?

Jean de Villiers answered:

No Mark, not at all. It’s been a steep learning curve, but one that I’ve enjoyed immensely. The coach has given me a big amount of trust on the field and I’d like to think we’re getting it right more times than we’re getting it wrong.

Jan asked:
Hi Jean
Thanks for your time.

How big effect does it have to play infront of the passionate European crowds?Is it intimidating or rather serve as inspiration?
Lastly what is your favorite staduim outside of SA to play at?

Jean de Villiers answered:
Jan, I can tell you that playing in front of the crowds in the Northern Hemisphere is never easy. They are immensely passionate and they can lift their teams, like we saw at Murrayfield on Saturday. But the massive support also has an effect on us as a team as it galvanises us when the chips are down.

Hopefully that scenario won’t play itself out on Saturday, but I’ve always enjoyed playing at Twickenham.

My favourite stadium outside of SA – Thomond Park in Limerick, where I played for Munster a few years ago.

Well im happy with this one –

Louis asked:
Having also been involved in sport, I always found it hard to lift my game right at the end of the season. I know the bok management always say that the intensity will be there, but how do the players feel about this weekend”s game?

Jean de Villiers answered:

We can’t wait Louis. If any Springbok lacks motivation ahead of playing England at Twickenham, he should not come close to a rugby field.

Has he played for the Boks?

Schalk Brits has been brilliant he’s got a great step and dummy surprised SA haven’t used him

Adrian Strauss is a unit but Schalk Brits is inspirational he’s won so many games for Saracens with a bit of magic

Possibly just expired but you cant take a chance

Some hookers could do it the other way round – many people have suggested Schalk Brits should move to the midfield.

I don’t know many inside centres converting into props lol

He’s only 5ft 8 but man he is powerful, low sense of gravity he’s very good at the breakdown and he’s hard to tackle because of his upper body strength

The young guns of today are far superior than their peers of 20 years ago – mentally, physically and tactically.

However, they also have a shorter shelf-life than their peers of 20 years ago.

Pick’em when they are young.

For example Freddie Burns best 10 in England ATM but Flood gets picked over him

Chris Ashton always get picked and he’s not even the best winger in England!

He was colossal.

Another lock who can play flanker. The way the English like to breed them.

Joseph should be given a chance instead of Tuilagi who just bashes through people

Alex Corbisiero is back scrum should be alot stronger, Launchbury will add some beef, Wood and Morgan are big, fast ball carriers

The 10, 12,13 for England are not a great combination. Barrett was a journey man S12 player for the Sharks who had brilliant players around him to make him look good. It seems to me that the English have no real plan there, but are simply selecting to counter what they know SA is going to throw at them. Good luck. At best parity, but most likely SA will get on top, like they did in June.

In the forwards: Test match rugby is won firstly up front. This is where England is weak. There is NO ONE of the Martin Johnson, Dallagio, Richard Hill stature …. or even looking like taking over the mantle. I look at the English forwards and look at their stats (height; weight etc.) and it just does not put any ‘fear’ or ‘worry’ into me. Pretty much horses for courses in terms of playing Aus or NZ; S12 and SA Currie Cup. They talk BIG and how ‘fired up’ fired up they will be and ‘dog’ this and ‘dog’ that, but they are not even close. In SA it is ‘dog eat dog’, day in and day out EVERY game. And if you run through the SA forwards you have some players who are on their way to being the real deal: Etzebeth; Alberts; Coetzee; Vermuelen; Louw …..