Q: Jannes, today you were up against a Stormers pack that featured six Springboks, guys like Schalk Burger, who was probably a hero for you growing up. And yet you were a major factor on the gainline, smashing all of those guys back, how did that feel?
JK: In my first game of SuperRugby I had big eyes, playing against all those Springboks in the Stormers team, all those guys with so many caps. But when you’re under all that pressure, you just have to lift your performance. It definitely motivates me playing against guys like that, against our arch-rivals, so you lift your game as much as possible. I’m a born-and-bred Blue Bull, I’m sure if you cut me blue blood will come out, so the Stormers are not my favourite team, it’s why they are such a big team to play against. My brother Frik once got an offer from Western Province, but he said to my Dad – “How am I ever going to pull that jersey over my head?”!
Q: Putting your body on the line like you did, is it just because you were playing the Stormers, or was there other motivation?
JK: The coach has been hard on us this week and we knew we would have to perform to win. It’s like a sin to lose at Loftus Versfeld, so we really didn’t want to disappoint our fans or the coach either. I think I’ll be moving a bit slower on Sunday, get up later. I’ll ask the coach on Monday if maybe I can have a swimming session or a massage …
Q: Your brother Frik actually had to give up rugby last year due to a neck injury. Does that also motivate you to give absolutely everything while playing for the Bulls?
JK: Ja, Frik was a prop and then he hurt his neck in 2014, when he was just 26. The year before he had been a member of the Springbok touring squad at the end of the year. I think regularly about how nice it would have been to play together. So I really want to build on the name that he put out there, to make him and my Dad, who played flank for Eastern Transvaal, proud.
Q: How do you feel after the game, you must feel immensely proud?
JK: I’m very proud, it was a massive defensive effort. We needed to act as a collective and we did that, it was good to be a part of that effort. It was a great day and a great win, we’ll keep our feet on the ground but enjoy the win.
Juan, you’re back in the Springbok squad, that’s an amazing comeback. How does it feel for you?
JS: It’s been a long road back, I was out for 28 months, I had announced I was finished and I saw no light at the end of the tunnel. I had five operations and they were tough times, it was all very dark times. I felt I had no other choice but to call it a day.
But after announcing your retirement you are back on the rugby field. How did that come about?
JS: I had one operation in Bloemfontein and then three in Pretoria. After that I tried everything to fix the achilles but there was no way around it and I was forced to retire. But then a surgeon in Bloemfontein, Dr Johan Kruger, said he could give me a chance of playing again. But for me it wasn’t about playing again, I just wanted to walk without pain. For 25 months I would stand up and go to bed with pain.
I could immediately feel the difference after that operation, the next morning there was no pain, and I said to my wife that I’m going to try and play again.
Thanks to winning the Top 14and the Heineken Cup with Toulon, it’s already been a very successful comeback too, hasn’t it?
JS: It’s been great playing for Toulon and winning those two cups was an awesome feeling. What better way to celebrate a comeback than that and to then be picked for the Springboks again.
How important have Toulon been in your comeback?
JS: The important thing is the guys around you and Toulon have some of the best players in the world. I had the privilege of playing alongside Jonny Wilkinson, which was an awesome feeling. It was just amazing to make my comeback and the cherry on top was winning the Heineken Cup and Top 14. I look back a year and I had just played my first 80 minutes; I’ve been able to set new goals at Toulon and I always wanted to play in three World Cups. I missed out on 2011 because of the achilles injury, but I hope next year will make up for that.
Has your game improved or changed while you’ve been at Toulon?
JS: You know, for me, the biggest challenge has always been that I play for myself. For me it’s about work ethic and my own high standards. I feel that I’ve been able to reach that level again at Toulon. I knew that if I can get to that level again, then I can play good rugby and Toulon have allowed me to reach it.
How important is it having several fellow South Africans at Toulon?
JS: I always said I would never leave Bloemfontein or go play overseas. But having South Africans at Toulon made it much easier. We have Wednesdays off so then we can braai [barbecue] and speak Afrikaans together.
What has it been like being back with the Springbok squad?
JS: People say the coach is bringing back all these old guns, but I was only 29 when I played my last Test and I’m not that old now either. Just to be part of this environment again is awesome, I was a bit nervous coming back, but I can see the work ethic is fantastic.
When you look back to 2007 and our World Cup win, we had guys like Os du Randt and John Smit playing and you need those senior players, just their presence brings calm to the side. When you’re going through tough times, then the young guys look up to the older players to make the decisions. You need that balance and it’s a healthy balance in the Springbok team.
There’s a chance you will be up against your Toulon team-mate Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe. How will that be for you?
JS: You always want to prove a point when you play against your team-mates and if I get the chance I’ll try and put a big tackle in on him or do something else not so nice to him! But he’s a lovely guy and an unbelievable player and I look forward to getting together with him after the game.
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.
Bryan, back in South Africa and giving back to the Nyanga community for Mandela Day, have you had time to reflect on the successes of the last few months?
It’s not ideal being outside of South Africa and I’m unbelievably proud to call myself South African. Until you leave these shores, you never know what you’re missing, but I’m very happy where I am in France. The language is tough and sometimes if they talk too fast then you lose it, but luckily there are a lot of internationals at Toulon. It’s taught me to become a lot more independent. Driving on the right-hand side of the road takes some getting used to and I’ve stalled a couple of times! But staying on the French Riviera is pretty positive and a happy player is an in-form player.
It was a pretty special end to the season in France after I was a bit frustrated at the beginning. I was injured after the Rugby Championship, four months out, and then I was injured again on the end-of-year tour for another two weeks. So to come back and play a part in the finals was very special.
It was fantastic playing alongside Jonny Wilkinson and seeing the way he bowed out, there was no better way to end his career.
Those successes must fill you with a lot of confidence for the season ahead?
We have a lot to build on but there’s been a change in format in the Heineken Cup plus the Top 14 is 28 games against tough opposition every week. I went over to France to win trophies and I didn’t think it would happen as quickly as it did. So the foundation has been laid, I have a couple of years left with Toulon and I hope to contribute to even more trophies.
Was it a tough challenge coming to France and playing in those finals in your first season over there?
Experience plays a big part. I’ve played 90-odd Tests, so you learn how to bring something else out on the big occasions. Plus I had 11 amazing seasons in South Africa, good and bad times, and winning trophies from the Vodacom Cup to Currie Cup, SuperRugby and the Tri-Nations.
So I was happy to experience something different in France, I didn’t want to get stuck in a rut, you want to learn how to deal with new environments and challenges.
What are your future ambitions in terms of South Africa?
I hope to play more than a hundred Tests for the Springboks, play international rugby for another year or two. There are those elusive couple of tries for the world record and I’d love to achieve 100 caps. To be part of the 2015 World Cup is the short-term goal. It has without a doubt been the proudest moments of my career to pull that jersey over my head, but a lot still has to happen for me to reach those landmarks. But I’m going to push myself harder and further.
What’s the mood like in the Springbok camp at the moment?
Heyneke Meyer and his team are working towards something special. There are very exciting youngsters in the team and old heads who know the ropes. I hope to contribute to that journey, there were those two losses to New Zealand last year and we hope to rectify that in the Rugby Championship.
This Springbok side is heading towards one of the best I’ve been involved with, the foundation has been laid and a great atmosphere has been created. This is one of the happiest teams I’ve been involved with, thanks to Heyneke Meyer, who has put the onus on the individual.
2009 was a phenomenal year and we’re growing ever closer to that with a mix of the older guys and the newer combinations. We’re definitely heading the right way, we can only get better because the competition for places is high. You’re not sure of getting your place back these days if you sit out.
Willie le Roux was sensational in the June Tests, what’s it like playing next to him?
Willie is very exciting. Three years ago we played against him at Western Province when he was playing for Boland and it’s fantastic how he has embraced his opportunity with the Cheetahs. Cornal Hendricks too, came from Sevens and has had a huge impact with the Cheetahs.
Willie is a fantastic playmaker, probably up there with the best one or two fullbacks in the world. Hopefully I can be at the end of a few more of his final passes!
What are your future goals with Toulon?
After 11 seasons in South Africa which were the best times of my life, I want to leave the Toulon jersey in a better shape than I found it. I want to give my most for Toulon and South Africa.
How is your relationship with Mourad Boudjellal?
Mourad must take a lot of the credit for our success. He has put a lot of money into Toulon, he’s a staunch Toulon rugby man and he backed players even though people thought they were at the end of their careers. He took Toulon up from the second division with players like Tana Umaga, Victor Matfield, George Gregan and Andrew Mehrtens and now he’s developed a side of world-beaters.
To be double champions is pretty special and he must take credit for that, without him it would not have happened.
Mourad does not speak that much English so we haven’t had many conversations, but he’s as passionate as you can get about rugby. He does the Pilou Pilou for us when things go well.
There was talk about you representing South Africa at the Commonwealth Games Sevens, what happened there?
I’m very disappointed I won’t be going to the Commonwealth Games, but I understand that I am contracted to Toulon and the Commonwealth Games are not in the Test window. But it would have been fantastic to be part of that.
I went to a couple of training sessions with the Springbok Sevens and I could see their passion and enthusiasm. I’m firmly behind them and they have more than enough talent to do very well.
John 14:20 – “On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”
All the effort and striving in the world, all the good works and great sacrifices, will not help you to become like Christ unless the presence of the living Christ is to be found in your heart and mind.
Jesus needs to be the source, and not our own strength, that enables us to grow spiritually in strength, beauty and truth.
Unless the presence of Christ is a living reality in your heart, you will not be able to reflect his personality in your life.
You need an intensely personal, more intimate relationship with Christ, in which you allow him to reveal himself through your life.