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New Springbok star Paul de Villiers is up to the task of filling the void left by injured veteran skipper Siya Kolisi in the first Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, says assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.
Kolisi was left out the squad to ensure he’ll be fit to return to action before the end of the four-match series, but De Villiers has already proven his worth in the No 6 jersey since making his debut against England last month.
“Not having [Kolisi] will always be a big loss for us,” Stick admitted at the final pre-match press conference in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.
“We didn’t know Siya was not going to be ready for this game. But the trust that we’ve shown in De Villiers, from the beginning against big teams, gave him an opportunity and then everyone is talking about him.”
The 23-year-old played the opening three Nations Championship contests in July, also including Scotland and Wales, making an impact with his speed, his strength at the breakdown and ball-carrying abilities.
“I think the opportunity that he’s getting, I know it’s a different beast playing against the All Blacks — it’s probably one of the toughest games you can ever play in your career — but I think he’s the right person.”
Stick was impressed with the manner in which the Stormers player displayed an experienced head despite being a new-comer.
“One thing that I enjoy about him is the maturity at that age. He understands his role very well in the team and we always say, irrespective of your age, if you take full ownership of what needs to be done in the team, you are also a leader …
“He is a very smart boy when it comes to his head and he works hard.”
De Villiers will be up against the All Black loose trio of Tupou Vaa’l, Luke Jacobson and Ardie Savea, but in his corner he’ll have stand-in captain Pieter-Steph du Toit and eighthman Jasper Wiese.
The young flanker made his mark early on while playing for the national under-20 side, which he captained.
“Ever since that boy got an opportunity to be in our alignment camps — I’ve seen him as a youngster when he was leading the junior Boks — we always knew that he’s got a great potential to go far in his career…
“And we’ve seen all the opportunities that he did get earlier in the season. He didn’t stand back for anyone. The energy levels that he brought, the way he was carrying.
“I know a lot of people focus on his breakdown skills, but the way he’s been carrying, he doesn’t stand back for anyone.”
Du Toit, who will be playing his 99th Test, was as complimentary.
“I think probably one of his strengths is his fitness. He’s a very fit guy and has good speed as well and very strong, especially when he’s over the ball. He brings a different strength when it comes to the breakdown,” he said, adding his younger teammate carried himself like a senior player.
“He’s very comfortable in his body, in his position, who he is as a person and who he is in the Springbok team and I think that’s why he’s doing so well.”
Du Toit said the Boks needed to stay alert against the All Blacks’ high-tempo game plan.
“We know New Zealand is going to bring intensity and we really believe the lineouts and the scrum is going to be something where we’re going to have to perform well ...
“We know they’re quite fast and really skilful players so they’re definitely going to try and exploit us and come with good plans so I would say [our strategy] is to try and stay awake, don’t get caught out.”
The first Test kicks off at 5.10pm on Saturday.
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