Springbok captain Jean de Villiers admitted he expected to be dropped by coach Heyneke Meyer after last week’s shock Rugby World Cup loss in Brighton to Japan.
De Villiers spoke ahead of his team’s important clash against Samoa at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday, fronting up to the loss and said he seriously expected to be out of the team and shouldering the blame for the loss.
There have been several reports highlighting a lack of communication between the coaching staff and De Villiers and the players on the field this week, with allegations that De Villiers had ignored calls from the coaching box.
“Yes I did and I am also very aware of the criticism that he is under for selecting me but at the end of the day he thought it was good to do that. I’m very grateful for the opportunity that I get again to play,” De Villiers said.
The Bok captain said he didn’t mind where he was selected, or if he was selected. He only worried that South Africa would get their World Cup campaign back on track and he would do anything to make that happen.
“At the end of the day I want South Africa to do well, I want them to win. Whether I’m part of that or not, I want that. Whether I’m part of the starting line-up, on the bench or in the stands, I’m willing to give everything to get that,” De Villiers added.
“The responsibility I have this week is to perform on the field. I’ve been given the opportunity by the coach, and now is the time to put up my hand and put up a performance that is worthy of that selection.”
De Villiers said the team was feeling the pressure, so much so that it could be considered the most important game for the Springboks in recent history.
“We are feeling the pressure as well. We know how important this game is for our country,” De Villiers explained.
“What saddens you as well is to see how a loss like this can break the country apart. The responsibility we have is to rectify that.
“Rugby is a game but in South Africa it more than just a game. That responsibility we take onto the field with every game, and we disappointed a lot of people last week.
“It is an opportunity we get again tomorrow against a fierce rival, a determined team and a physical team. (Jean is too polite to say dirty!!)
“We need to stand up. We put ourselves in this position and we need to get ourselves out of this position.”
De Villiers knows only a victory will suffice for the Boks at the moment, and while it will help it will only be the first step to getting them to the quarterfinals.
An Honest man with his heart in the right place. Go well Jean and the Mighty Boks!!! The Lord protect you from dirty Samoaner play.
