Kankowski keen to stretch his legs
July 03 2009
Number eight Ryan Kankowski will make his return to the Springbok line-up on Saturday, determined to make up for lost time after watching the majority of the series from the stands.
In fact, Kankowski hasn't played a game of rugby since the warm-up match against a Namibian Invitational XV in Windhoek over a month ago.
With Bulls rival Pierre Spies prefered to the Sharks number eight in the Springboks' starting line-up, Kankowski had a frustrating time watching his team-mates seal a 2-0 series victory over the British and Irish Lions.
To make matters worse, Kankowski - after another fantastic season with the Sharks in the Super 14 - couldn't even crack the matchday 22, with Heinrich Brüssow and Danie Rossouw favoured on the bench.
"It's tough watching from the sidelines, but what can you do?" said Kankowski.
"All you can do is cheer and support the rest of the guys and hope that you might finally get a chance to play. And now, there are quite a few of us getting a chance this weekend.
"So we'll definately have an opportunity to prove something, that's for sure."
Kankowski's battle with Spies for the number eight jersey, has been a big talking point over the last two seasons. They offer the same attacking attributes to the Springboks: Both bring explosiveness and relentless energy to the mix, while Kankowski perhaps shades his counterpart on defence.
"It is always good to have a bit of competition for positions," Kankowski said.
"Pierre is a great player and if you have two guys competing for the same position you only bring out the best in each other.
"He [Spies] has been playing and now it is my chance, so hopefully it goes well."
Kankowski's father, Tino, played for Eastern Province against the Lions in their opening match in 1980. Now, Kankowski jnr is getting a chance to play in the last test of the 2009 Lions tour.
"It is definitely something my dad and I have spoken about, and it means a lot that we both got to play against the Lions," he said.
"It is very special, he phoned me yesterday.
"It means a lot for him to see his son playing and for me it is a great honour playing for your country against the Lions - it is going to be awesome."
It will be Kankowski's eighth Test match since making his debut against Wales two years ago and though he hasn't yet played with Brüssow, he believes they will form a good combination with Juan Smith.
"Brüssow is brilliant on the ground while Juan never stops tackling and driving the ball up. It will hopefully give me the chance to stretch my legs with the ball in hand," said Kankowski.
"It is a big opportunity for all of us. The series has been won, but it is our job now to make it 3-0."
And stretch his legs he will. Some may argue that the lack of game time might work in favour of the Lions, who boast a respectable loose trio of Jamie Heaslip, Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams.
Kankowski doesn't feel this is the case and thinks his one-month absence from the game will be an advantage to him and his team if anything else.
"It was a long Super 14 and you appreciate the rest you get," he said.
"But we've worked hard over the last few weeks in the camp and I feel fit."
The Springboks have a formidable record at Coca-Cola Park (Ellis Park) and have lost only once against the Lions at the famous ground. There have been some memorable matches between the two sides at the ground since 1938, with the Boks winning three, drawing two and ending up on the wrong side of the scoreboard on the solitary occasion.
South Africa's win record at the stadium against all opposition stands at over 70 per cent and includes their best performance at home in 2008 when they demolished the Australians 53-8, as well as being the scene where the World Cup and Tri-Nations were secured in 1995 and 1998.
The current tourists will have happy memories of Johannesburg as they annihilated the Golden Lions 74-10 just over a month ago, but they will realise this will be more than a level up.
"For us there is not much to worry about, you don't have to worry about losing," said Kankowski.
"However, the main thing for us is to go for the 3-0 series win, and they [the Lions] will obviously look to win the last Test.
"I think it is going to be a good game and I think both teams may look to throw it around a bit and try things.
"I'm really looking forward to it and I always enjoy running with the ball."
By Dave Morris in Johannesburg