Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been singing praises for Paul de Villiers, the new powerhouse flanker who hasn't played a single official game for the national team but has already turned heads. The 23-year-old, after a sensational season with the Stormers, has secured a spot on the bench for the upcoming friendly against the Barbarians in Gqeberha.
During a press conference, Kolisi did not hold back his admiration for the young flanker, stating,
"He destroyed everybody in the fitness tests and his work-rate around the field is admirable. He’s a beast and the energy he brings lifts the people around him."
With eyes set on his own No 6 jersey, Kolisi expressed excitement about de Villiers' potential impact on the field.Joining Kolisi at the press event was Vincent Tshituka, the appointed captain of South Africa A for their game against Zimbabwe. Both leaders emphasized the significance of the training camp and the upcoming matches as critical opportunities for players to prove their mettle and secure their spots.
Kolisi described the current training camp as exceptionally challenging, largely due to the influx of young talent pushing the limits. "This has probably been the hardest camp we’ve had because the intensity has been so high," he revealed. The competition within the team is fierce, ensuring no player can feel too comfortable or complacent—a dynamic Kolisi believes is vital for the team's hunger and growth.
Dismissing any notion that the Barbarians game is just a casual "festival game", Kolisi asserted,
"We’re playing a Test match in our minds because we’re representing South Africa and guys are getting an opportunity. It’s our first game of the season, so we want to make sure everything we’ve worked on during the off-season and the past week comes together."
He underscored the importance of the match as a serious test and a chance for players to vie for a more permanent placement in the larger squad later in the season.The atmosphere in the Springbok camp is one of rigorous competition and high stakes, setting the stage for a season where every player, new or veteran, must fight to prove their worth.