News
Benched Brits beaming
June 20 2008
It's been a long time coming, but hooker Schalk Brits will finally make his Springbok debut off the bench when South Africa host an under-strength Italy side in a one-off Test at Newlands Stadium on Saturday.
A livewire hooker who has the pace of a back and the handling skills of a loose forward, Brits will be eager to repay coach Peter De Villiers' faith by selecting him with a strong showing against the Azzurri, albeit via the bench.
That Brits is even still around is testament to his spirit after it was suggested by former Bok coach, Jake White, that he visit a travel agent to book a flight overseas.
But the once-bitter Brits has had his faith in rugby restored thanks to the remarkable opportunities he has been handed so far with the Stormers.
The former Lions player began playing his rugby in the Cape and played Western Province U21 before moving to Johannesburg a few seasons ago.
Mistreated by Western Province rugby, Brits was happier up in the Highveld and soon made a name for himself.
For the past three seasons, many called for him to be included in White's Springbok squads. But White, like Brits' fellow Bok and Stormers' team-mate Luke Watson, didn't rate the player highly.
His return to the Cape is a result of a phone call made by former Western Province Director of Rugby and current Italy coach, Nick Mallett, who approached him about a return to his old stomping ground.
Bar an injury in 2006, the Stormers star continued to hit the right notes for his franchise in this year's Super 14 and it was only a matter of time before someone finally did anything about it.
"I really believed the time would come," Brits told this website.
"In the past some people may have thought differently, and I don't think I need to mention any names.
"But I knew that if I kept working hard and believed in myself and my abilities, that some day I would wear the green and gold."
Brits's wish was granted by De Villiers, who coached the talented number two in the Emerging Springboks team that won the IRB World tournament in Romania last year.
"I always knew my chances of making it would be better under a new coach," said Brits.
"I have worked with Peter before, so know what's expected of me and the team.
"It is a lot more professional (under De Villiers) than it was last year (in the Emerging Boks' team), perhaps because Peter has the support of a bigger and more professional management team."
Brits also points his selection down to the mentorship of Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus who was given a selection headache week in and week out with hooker Tiaan Liebenberg in equally impressive hooking form.
"Under Rassie, the Stormers were back to playing some good rugby and I really felt it suited my game," said Brits.
"Of course playing amongst a special bunch of forwards made it easier for me and with five Stormers players on the bench this week, we must have been doing something right."
The four other Stormers players Brits speaks of is prop Brian Mujati, lock Andries Bekker, flanker Schalk Burger, and Peter Grant who will all be hoping to get a run in front of their home crowd at Newlands - Brits is no exception.
"It's a dream come true, I must say" said Brits.
"Newlands is always a special place to play for any side lucky enough to take to the field and of course playing there for the Springboks will be even more special.
"Hopefully it won't rain as predicted and the crowds come in and offer some support."
The 27-year-old brushes aside any debut jitters - a second string Italian side doesn't really get the knees shaking for a player of Brits' calibre. If anything, he's played against much tougher opposition in the Super 14.
"I'm not nervous about the game itself, though I don't want to underestimate the Italians," said Brits.
"I played against them last year in the Nations Cup, but that was against their B side. However it was a tough game and very physical.
"I can guarantee you with Nick Mallett in the changing room, Italy will be fired up and ready to go. It's a once off Test match and they have nothing to lose."
Highly rated in the Cape, Brits plays an incredibly loose style of rugby which has found some critics feeling he should get more stuck in.
Whichever way you lean one thing is for certain: Brits will ignite the Boks in some way.
"In every game it's important to get off on the right foot, so hopefully the starting fifteen can do just that," he said.
"I can't wait to get on the pitch - hopefully when we're ahead - and perhaps then get the ball thrown around a bit more.
"But like I say, Saturday will be a big moment in my life and I'm just really looking forward to contributing towards a Springbok win."
But he knows that with John Smit already installed as Springbok captain, chances to prove himself will be limited.
He aims to make full use of the opportunity presented to him on Saturday for with Bismarck du Plessis installed as the back-up hooker, the Stormers player may not get another game for the Boks for a while.
"Of course, that's always a possibility," admits Brits.
"John is South Africa's captain which means he's a prominent member of the side and I know I will have to prove myself at international level.
"I think I've shown what I'm capable of on the domestic scene and in Super Rugby, but now it's time to test myself on the big stage.
"Hopefully when I get my first cap, it will be a big step in getting the Test experience going and maybe be selected for more games in the future.
"Obviously I can't pick myself, but if I keep the form up and concentrate on my own game, at least then I can feel confident knowing I've done everything in my power to get the nod."
By Dave Morris