Cricket took another major step towards properly integrating the game this weekend when the domestic season began with the new quota/target/requirement of at least two Black Africans per franchise … and the world did not end.
In fact, Temba Bavuma showed that he is one of the most promising batsmen in the country with a delightful innings at the Wanderers, handling the pace of Marchant de Lange with aplomb, Kagiso Rabada showed that he has a tremendous cricketing brain inside that athletic 19-year-old body, while Ethy Mbhalati and Tumi Masekela both bowled tidily, the latter for the Knights against the Warriors in Bloemfontein.
There was a predictable outcry when Cricket South Africa first announced this new “target” in mid-year, but 20 years of democracy has proven that some sectors of society are still recalcitrant when it comes to righting the wrongs of the past and trying to level the playing fields when it comes to opportunity, which is surely one of the basic premises of all sport.
Some people require a push in the right direction. But if the moral imperatives of fair play and equal opportunity aren’t incentive enough, then economic and sporting reality should be. Sports like cricket and rugby are still only tapping into a tiny proportion of the population, and therefore the talent in this country; by opening the doors of opportunity to more people, it stands to reason that our teams will become stronger.
While I am pleased that Black African cricketers will now have more opportunity at first-class level, therefore deepening the talent pool available to the Proteas, I was even more delighted with the news that Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has handed Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje a start in today’s Test against the Wallabies.
At least now maybe the storms of accusation that have been circulating on electronic and social media will end.
It is perfectly understandable that some people, after all the years of suffering under Apartheid, still have a chip on their shoulders, but as a nation we should be trying to discuss these issues with less emotion.
There are so many armchair, semi-knowledgeable coaches out there and yet they feel they know better than a highly-qualified and decorated coach like Meyer when it comes to rugby reasons for selection? Worst of all, Meyer was accused of racism.
This is patently ridiculous when you consider that it was Meyer who recognised the raw material in Mohoje and brought him into the Springbok squad after he had started just five SuperRugby matches, all of them at home.
That’s the sort of affirmative action I fully support, but the peanut gallery who then wanted Mohoje to be hurried into the Rugby Championship starting XV are likely to harm his future prospects rather than help them.
Sure, Juan Smith leapfrogged Mohoje and had a bad game against Argentina but who can blame a coach, with his job on the line, for backing the pedigree of an experienced player who had performed brilliantly in the Heineken Cup? And places on the bench generally don’t necessarily go to the next best player, but to the player who can bring the most value to the side in terms of impact and utility value.
And those people saying Mohoje has been treated differently to someone like Arno Botha should note that the Bulls loose forward played 22 SuperRugby matches before making his debut against Italy and Scotland, the same team the Cheetahs flank began his international career against.
Perhaps the days are not far off when South African rugby franchises, like their cricketing counterparts, will have to play a couple of Black Africans. Only then will Meyer not have to manipulate the system and try and fast-track players. Selection is a gamble at the best of times and political sensitivities make it an absolute minefield.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has shown a greater willingness than any of his predecessors to pick his players from across the globe and the late call-up of Juan Smith to the Rugby Championship squad brought the number of overseas-based players to eight out of 30.
The team to play Argentina on Saturday in Pretoria includes five of those eight travellers – Bakkies Botha (Toulon), Bryan Habana (Toulon), Francois Louw (Bath), Ruan Pienaar (Ulster) and Morne Steyn (Stade Francais) – and this shows the high regard in which Meyer holds European rugby, and the French league in particular.
Apart from the thorny issue of overseas-based players, the other feature of the current Springbok team that causes the mutters in many South African supporters is the number of veteran players that are still involved.
Ten of the squad have more than 50 caps and Meyer has persisted with 2007 World Cup winners like Botha, Jean de Villiers, Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis, Habana, Pienaar, Gurthro Steenkamp and Smith, while Schalk Burger, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Victor Matfield and JP Pietersen are still very much in Meyer’s plans.
The value of experience is a recurring theme amongst the Springbok leadership.
“It’s very exciting to have such good experience and young guys with exceptional talent putting pressure on them for their places. It’s a good balance for us and you see how guys like Handre Pollard and Jan Serfontein played unbelievably well when they started in the incoming Tests,” captain De Villiers said this week.
“We’re in the ideal position to bring youngsters in … look at Lood de Jager playing with Victor Matfield. He knows that he has that experience next to him and that’s why guys like Juan Smith also add value. They’ve been through it all, they can tell the youngsters to ‘do it like this’. It speeds up the process of making inexperienced players experienced,” De Villiers added.
“You can’t buy experience, like we saw when Bakkies came back late last year. Guys like him and Juan are inspirational, they never give up and they’re an example to all of us in how to keep going,” defence coach John McFarland said.
While France as a nation might be going through a bad patch in rugby, there is no doubting the strength of their domestic teams. Performances there clearly carry plenty of weight with Meyer, judging by the number of players, some of them controversial selections, that he has called up from France.
There has also been a concerted effort behind the scenes to improve relationships between the Springboks and the overseas clubs, after the ill-feeling of the Peter de Villiers era.
The channels of communication are considerably more open these days and Springbok manager Ian Schwartz ensures that all clubs with South African players are kept appraised of Meyer’s plans for them.
Toulon were the first to know about Smith’s potential return to the international stage and there seems to be no reason for the mutual love affair between South Africa and the double champions not to continue.
Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal is known to be a massive admirer of South African players and even the coaching skills of Meyer are highly regarded by the 54-year-old businessman. So much so that Boudjellal has approached Meyer a couple of times about coaching Toulon; clearly neither party will ever want to burn the cordial bridges that exist between them.
1) What position did you play at primary school? What made you change?
A: At first, I mostly switched between flyhalf and centre, but because of my kicking skills, or lack of it, I later made a permanent move to the midfield.
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: Without a doubt the singing of the national anthem. Sadly, seven minutes later it was all over as I seriously injured my knee and was out of rugby for nine months.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: Injuries are always disappointing and I’ve had quite a few, but I’ve also learnt that it’s part of the game – it all comes down to how you approach them, and I’ve learnt a lot from being out injured as well.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: There are too many to really mention, especially if you spend a lot of time with Jaque Fourie and Butch James. These two keep you entertained 24/7.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: Open by Andre Agassi – apart from being very, very inspiring, I also found it interesting to see how different things inspire different people. And it was brilliantly written – at times it felt like you were next to him on the court.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: This is a tricky one, as we are fortunate to regularly eat at great restaurants across the world, but for me nothing beats a good old South African braai, back at home with family and friends, after a long and arduous tour.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: My kids keep me very busy when I’m at home and I try to spend as much time as possible with my family, because we travel so much. Being away from home for long periods of time is probably one of the negatives of rugby, so I use my time at home as well as I can.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: Counting Crows in the Bellville Velodrome a couple of years ago. I knew all their songs and could happily sing along.
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: I drive the X6 4.0D. It’s not only a beautiful car, but also a great drive, safe, quick and just lekker.
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: BMW is all about performance and so are we at the Springboks. I think it makes for a fantastic partnership and both brands benefit a lot from being associated with one another. It’s really a great privilege to be associated with BMW.
1) What position did you play at primary school? What made you change?
A: I started out playing at No. 8 for my primary school, Pietersburg-Noord. But later in my career I became too big and slow for loose forward, so I moved to lock.
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: I was on the bench for my Bok debut, in 2001 against Italy in Port Elizabeth, and I will never forget that moment when I went on for Johan Ackermann in the 68th minute. But what will also stand out, was when we lined up and sang the National Anthem before the Test in front of a capacity crowd at the old Boet Erasmus Stadium.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: It has to be not winning the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: There have been many over the years, but the most recent was probably that fluffed kick by Fourie du Preez against Wales in Nelspruit.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: I’ve really enjoyed reading all of Vince Lombardi’s books, as it gives you proper insight into what is needed for a team to be successful.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: Hmmm, this is a tricky one as I’ve been fortunate to eat at the best restaurants, but one that will always stand out was having a superb paella with my wife on our honeymoon in the harbour in Barcelona.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: I try and spend as much time as possible with my wife and our three daughters, but I also enjoy a round of golf or going for a ride on my bike.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: I’m not really a music person and have not been to any serious concerts.
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: I have the X6 and a 335i. The X6 is spacious and very comfortable, while I quite enjoy the 335i’s speed.
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: Who would not want to be associated with one of the top brands in the world? Every time I get into my BMW, it’s fantastic and a real pleasure to drive.
1) What position did you play at primary school?
A: I mostly played wing, centre and Number 8
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: It must have been when the team was announced and I found out I was going to start my first Test for South Africa.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: Unfortunately I’ve had my fair share of serious injuries, especially in the last two seasons, and that is never nice, but it’s also part and parcel of the game we play.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: One day Jean de Villiers decided to show us his own version of the haka – it was hilarious.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: Principles & Power of Vision by Myles Munroe. It made me understand why I’ve been created and what I should do.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: Wow, this is a tough one. Probably a very special dinner with my wife in a small coastal town in Italy, right on the beach.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: At the moment, I’m trying my hand at studies, but I also try and spend as much time as possible with my wife and our two boys, while I also do a bit of corporate speaking. And there is always time to hit a couple of balls on the golf course…
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: Unfortunately I missed out when U2 came to South Africa a few years ago, so I would have to say it was watching Johnny Clegg live – he is brilliant!
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: The 335i Active Hybrid – it has lots of power and speed and is also a bit more economical on fuel!
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: For me, it’s about being part of a brand that stands for excellence, but BMW is also a cool brand and they create seriously powerful machines. I just love their cars.
1) What position did you play at primary school? What made you change?
A: I started out as a flyhalf back in Port Elizabeth.
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: I started on the bench against Italy in Durban in 2013, and it was a big moment for me when we sang the National Anthem, but also when I went on to the field for Bryan Habana in the 72nd minute.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: Any defeat in the Springbok jersey is tough and it was very disappointing that we lost twice against New Zealand last year.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: There have been a lot of funny moments, especially if you hang out with Morné Steyn or Willem Alberts – they are the two big jokers in the team.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: Destined to Reign by Joseph Prince. It changed my life because I learned about God’s grace.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: Every time that we braai at my grandparents’ farm. I love meat and there’s always plenty to choose from.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: I enjoy reading, playing golf and watching movies.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: Some people might think I’m a bit too young, but I saw Bryan Adams perform last year, which was very good.
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: I drive the 120d. I like the fact that it’s quite small and nippy for driving in town, and it’s also very light on fuel.
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: It’s a big privilege to be part of BMW. They are an awesome brand as they stand for peak performance and delivering premium products, which is basically the same for any top-level sportsman or woman. Their vehicles are also dynamic and the quality is superb.
1) What position did you play at primary school?
A: I played flyhalf at primary school and although I’m now mostly selected at fullback or on the wing, I still like to move to the flyhalf position on the field from third or fourth phase onwards.
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: I made my Bok debut against Italy in Durban last year and singing the National Anthem was amazing, but I’d have to say the entire day was special – from the pre-match team-talk by Coach Heyneke, driving to the stadium on the bus and eventually getting my hands on the ball.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: This is a tough one as I’ve probably been blessed with not too many disappointments, but recently I’d have to say the fact that we could not follow up our brilliant season with the Cheetahs last year with a similar performance this year.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: A lot of funny things happen all the time – we have a few guys in the team who make great jokes and can provide a lot of laughter, but there are too many to mention.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: To be honest, I’m not really the reading type.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: I really like sushi a lot and will look for a sushi bar anywhere we go – as long as it’s nice and fresh, it’s the ultimate meal for me.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: I really like playing golf and in summer a game of touch rugby on the beach, but I also like to spend time with my family when there is a break in the season.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: I don’t really get time for things such as concerts and have not really been to any that stand out.
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: I drive the 335i Active Hybrid and love putting it in sport mode when the opportunity is there. It’s a very classy car.
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: I love being part of such a wonderful and world-class brand – their cars are magnificent and a pleasure to drive, but also very comfortable and fun.
1) What position did you play at primary school?
A: At school I played centre, but I moved to wing when I played at Western Province as a junior, and then last year at the Bulls I moved back to the midfield.
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: I made my debut off the bench against Argentina in Cape Town in 2012 and while it was a big moment and very special for me, I think my first start, in 2013 against Italy in Durban, will always stand out as I played the entire match and also got my first Test try.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: I had a few injuries at a young age, which I thought at the time was very bad, but with hindsight I realised it wasn’t too bad. These days I’d say it’s pretty disappointing missing out on selection for any team you play for.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: With guys such as Willem Alberts and Morné Steyn in the mix, there are many funny moments, but they mostly happen away from public eyes so I would prefer not to divulge any details.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden. It’s about a man’s escape from a labour camp in North Korea and it opened my eyes – we have so much to be thankful for.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: Without a doubt the Chicken Jean with Avo at Man’ouche Restaurant in Stellenbosch.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: I like playing golf and travelling – I recently embarked on a short golf trip to the Southern Cape with a couple of my friends – as well as going out for dinner and playing PlayStation when I’ve got time to kill at home.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: I haven’t been to too many really, but I quite enjoyed Coldplay at Cape Town Stadium a couple of years ago.
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: I drive the 335 active hybrid – it’s a brilliant car, the ride is very smooth, it’s nice to look at and has more than enough power under the hood.
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: To me it’s just a massive privilege to be part of the BMW family. I recently saw first-hand how they treat their clients and it made me realise how great this brand is. It’s really special to be part of such a world-famous brand.
1) What position did you play at primary school? What made you change?
Flank, but I think I then started to kick for the team and they moved me.
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
The best part was that I scored a try, but we lost badly so there wasn’t too much to cheer about. [the 15-32 loss to Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 2006]
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
Losing the 2007 SuperRugby final.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
Playing alongside Jacques Fourie was always very funny.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
The Landbouweekblad is about as far as my reading interest stretches.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
Venice, I’ve had some amazing pasta there.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: I like to go to the farm, hunting and golf.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
Coldplay, live in Paris
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
The hybrid 3 series, it’s fast, and spacious, and it’s a great looking car!
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
It’s a great privilege to be part of the best car brand in SA, it’s such an iconic brand that anyone would be proud to represent it.
Heyneke Meyer
1) What position were you during your playing days and what made you go into coaching?
A: I used to play loose forward but even during my playing days, I knew I wanted to be a coach. The main reason has always been to make a difference in people’s lives – while winning trophies is nice, the greatest reward is when a player comes to me and thanks me for doing something for him and making a difference in his life. So when the opportunity arose at the University of Pretoria to coach the U20s at my koshuis, Mopanie, I grabbed it with both hands. Even my choices of subjects at university – human movement science, psychology and education – were done with coaching in mind
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: From the day of my appointment until that first Test against England in Durban, everything was so humbling and overwhelming. But I’ll never forget that bus ride into the stadium and seeing South Africans from all walks of life getting up from whatever they were doing to wave at us and wish us well. It was also immensely special to stand on the pitch and sing the anthem. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and I’m sure everyone could see that.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: Results can be disappointing, but it hurts even more when you feel you’ve let your family and loved ones down, and that transcends any result on the rugby field. I want people to be proud of the Boks and for us to give hope to South Africans – when we don’t achieve that, I’m disappointed.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: There were many very funny moments over the course of the last two-and-a-half years. Many of them I can’t really talk about because it happened at team meetings, but it’s great for team spirit to have a few real characters in the squad. I feel it’s very important to enjoy what you’re doing – then it doesn’t feel like a job. We try to create a nice and relaxed culture at the Springboks, because I feel that too plays a role in success.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: There are probably too many to mention, but I really like Vince Lombardi’s books as I believe in the same principles as he did when it comes to success. These include sacrifice for the common goal, work ethic, a willingness to pay the price for success, creating a tough environment and self-discipline. I also like books written by John Maxwell and Anthony Robbins, but Dale Carnegie’s “How to win friends and influence people” will always stand out, as it was probably the first motivational book I read, at a very young age. The bottom line from that book is that everything revolves around building and maintaining good relationships with people and it goes hand-in-hand with something Andrew Carnegie said years ago – he was in mining and likened people to mining. He basically said that if you strip away the layers in people, as you do in mining with layers of earth, you will hit gold. So it’s all about getting the best out of people and building relationships to do that. You will be successful if you can get the best out of people.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: I spend a lot of time away from home, so nothing beats my wife’s leg of lamb on a Sunday afternoon, with my family around. I cherish my time with my family and those occasions are the best. I also love any good braai with a great red wine with special friends.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: I try to spend as much time as possible with my family, preferably on our farm close to Memel. I love nature and the outdoors, wildlife and fly-fishing. I also enjoy travelling, preferably anywhere in Africa with the Okavango Delta and Lake Kariba probably two of my favourite destinations. At places such as these, I can be completely isolated.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: My three sons provide all the entertainment I need. When they were younger, it used to be their plays at school, but these days they provide a lot of great moments at home with their shenanigans.
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: I drive the X6 and the 3-series Active Hybrid – both are brilliant cars and very user-friendly, while the on-board GPS helps a lot as I’m not the best when it comes to direction. On a more serious note though, I can’t speak highly enough of the service you receive at BMW, which to me is one of the aspects that makes them market leaders. Their roadside assistance is the best in the business and I’m a BMW convert for life.
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: I have very simple tastes in life – I believe in working with the best and therefore it’s a great privilege to be part of the BMW family. The Springboks and BMW actually share a lot of values and it’s wonderful to be associated with them on many levels. For me, it’s mainly about relations with people and the people from BMW really feel like family, as they’ve been nothing but very good for us. Other shared values include excellence, leadership, performance, pleasure and perseverance, and I’m very thankful and proud to be part of the BMW family.
Beast Mtawarira
1) What position did you play at primary school? What made you change?
A: In my very young days as a rugby player, I would have to say I was a bit of a utility forward, but later on I moved to loose forward and played a lot of rugby at number 8. It was only after my U21 days that I moved to prop after Dick Muir suggested I look at making the switch.
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: It was in 2008 against Wales in Pretoria – I’ll never forget holding the jersey for the first time and realising that I’ve become a Springbok. Obviously it was very special that we won the game and it was also a great moment when I got capped afterwards.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: Probably the way in which the Rugby World Cup panned out for us in 2011, but also the fact that I missed out on selection for the quarter-final. I definitely want to make up for it next year.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: I’ll never forget the bus trip we had last year, when we went from Cardiff to Edinburgh but stopped in Manchester to see Man Utd play Arsenal at Old Trafford. It was a great trip, the boys were in a good mood and a lot of jokes flew around, with Jean de Villiers and Willem Alberts leading the way.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: The Shack by William P Young. It’s a Christian book and it opened my eyes and changed the way I think about life in general, giving me a new outlook and perspective on things.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: Without a doubt the pork ribs at Tasha’s in Durban.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: I love travelling and it’s even better when we can do it as a family, with my wife and our daughter and son in tow. My wife and I recently visited New York and it was truly awesome.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: The Chris Brown concert at Grand West in Cape Town in 2012 as part of his Carpe Diem tour.
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: At the moment I drive the 330d – it’s a brilliant car, nice and fast, and luckily quite economical on diesel as well.
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: It’s an amazing privilege and honour for me to drive their cars and to be associated with a top brand such as BMW. There are lots of similarities between BMW and the Springboks and that makes it even more special to be part of their family.
Jannie du Plessis
1) What position did you play at primary school? What made you change?
A: Unfortunately, playing in the front row has been part of my DNA since I was still very young and during my primary school days in Bethlehem I was, as I still am, a tighthead prop.
2) What was the most memorable part of your Springbok debut?
A: I made my debut against Australia in Sydney on 7 July 2007, or the 7th of the 7th in 07, which made it feel even more real. It was an immensely proud moment in my life and everything about that day, except the result, stands out.
3) What has been the biggest disappointment in your career?
A: : The year 2012 had two massive disappointments – first when the Boks lost against New Zealand in Dunedin on a day where we really played very well, and a few weeks later when the Sharks lost in the Currie Cup final in Durban against Western Province.
4) What has been the funniest moment with the Springboks?
A: It happened just the other day. A couple of us went down to Paul Jordaan’s family farm near Somerset East and when Marcell Coetzee decided it was time to shoot his first buck, his rapid-fire technique made all of us jump for cover.
5) What’s the best book you’ve read and why?
A: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand changed my view on life, but the most important book is The Bible, where all of life’s wisdom is basically summarized.
6) Where and what was the best meal you’ve ever had?
A: After a good win, nothing beats the seared tuna at the Fish Factory in Ballito, and when I’m back in Bloemfontein and time allows, I’ll always make a plan to go to Oudekraal Restaurant, on the outskirts of the city , for their famous eight-course meal which is very special.
7) What do you spend time doing outside of rugby?
A: In the days before we had a child, I used to work full-time for the military, but since Ronel and I had our daughter, Rosalie, I had to reprioritise so now my family comes first when I have time away from the game, while I will always try and make time to go the farm in the Eastern Free State as well, preferably with Ronel and Rosalie.
8) What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
A: Ronel joined us on tour in London at the end of 2012 and we went to see The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. In 2010, I also really enjoyed Billy Elliot, also in London, which exceeded all my expectations.
9) Which BMW do you drive and what do you love about it?
A: I drive the 335 Active Hybrid. At first it was quite strange to get used to driving a car that is completely silent, but I can truly say that it’s an incredible car. The acceleration and power stand out and although it sounds like a golf cart, it’s not like that at all. I’ll drive to the moon and back in my BMW.
10) What does being part of the BMW family mean to you?
A: It’s an incredible privilege to be associated with BMW, a world-renowned brand known not only for their excellent cars, but also because it’s almost a lifestyle that has stood the test of time. As professional sportsmen, we strive to perform at our peak over a long period of time and that is something BMW has already achieved. It’s really wonderful to be able to drive a car that I dreamt of when I was still young, but coming from the farm I never thought I would drive one. Every day I get into my car, I have to pinch myself.
Coach Heyneke Meyer believes Damian de Allende can bring a “new dimension” to Springbok backline play, but the modest centre is promising no revolution himself.
De Allende is very much the modern backline player – big, strong and quick – standing 1.89m tall, weighing 104kg and fast enough to play on the wing for the Stormers, and also skilful enough to create many tries for his team-mates with his deft offloads.
“He’s a big guy but he’s skilful as well, he has the soft touches, runs beautiful lines and gets the ball away. I think he can bring a new dimension to our backline and I feel he can be superb at 13,” Meyer said on Wednesday after announcing De Allende would make his debut against Argentina at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The player himself was reticent to talk about all his skills.
“I don’t know about skills, but I know Heyneke wants a physical presence in midfield. We want to play direct rugby and earn the right to go wide,” De Allende said.
Despite playing just once before at outside centre in his senior career – for Western Province against the Blue Bulls in a Currie Cup match last year – De Allende is relatively unfazed about wearing the number 13 jersey on his Test debut.
“It does make my debut more challenging, but I’ll have Jean de Villiers on my inside and it will be very exciting. I’ve had the one game at 13 at a high level and, although number 12 is my best position, playing outside centre will be just about making the right decision at the right time. I need to identify space on the outside and try and get behind the defence,” De Allende said.
The 22-year-old probably has the Varsity Cup to thank for his rapid rise to the international stage. He only started to take rugby seriously at the age of 15 and, going to the unfashionable, in rugby terms, Milnerton High School possibly explains why he was missed by the Western Province Craven Week selectors. But his coach, Hein Kriek, pushed him to go to the provincial U19 trials and he was snapped up by the team which would win their age-group Currie Cup in 2010.
A stint at Alan Zondagh’s academy followed, from where he played for Hamiltons, before UCT snapped him up in 2012 for the Varsity Cup and he was then able to star on national TV, showing his attacking and defensive skills to great effect.
“The Varsity Cup helped a lot, it gave me some TV time, and then Allister Coetzee and Robbie Fleck moved me to inside centre,” De Allende said.
The former opening bowler for Western Province U18 is clearly not just the sort of one-dimensional battering ram South African rugby is trying to move away from. The fact that his biggest inspiration is the diminutive Gio Aplon says it all.
“I really look up to Gio, he’s not the biggest but he’s a phenomenal player and he has a massive heart,” De Allende said.
The son of Spanish descendants said the emotion of playing for the Springboks will be “a bit overwhelming” on Saturday.
“Playing for the Springboks is every rugby player’s dream, it’s one of the most unique teams in the world, more diverse than many others,” De Allende said.
His mother, father and brother will be in the stands at Loftus Versfeld to see how a Springbok who has travelled one of the more unusual routes to the Green and Gold does.
Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you to will [to make you want to] and to act according to his good purpose.”
When you realise that God is at work within you, and are determined to obey him in all things, God becomes your partner in the art of living. Incredible things start to happen in your life. Obstacles either vanish, or you approach them with strength and wisdom from God. New prospects open in your life, extending your vision. You are filled with inspiration that unfolds more clearly as you move forward, holding God’s hand.” – Solly Ozrovech, A Shelter From The Storm
But not living your life according to God’s will leads to frustration as you go down blind alleys in your own strength, more conscious of your failures than your victories. You will have to force every door open and few things seem to work out well for you.