Schalk Brits: ‘My wildest dream has come true’

Schalk Brits described the Springbok captaincy as his wildest dream that has come true. Brits will be leading out South Africa against Argentina at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, in what is the Boks’ last home game before the Rugby World Cup.

“To lead my country is one dream that has come true for me and it’s going to be amazing to lead out this group of players representing our country and the Springboks,” a beaming Brits told the media at the team hotel in Pretoria on Friday.

“For me, being part of the Springboks is such a huge honour. I’ve been involved with the Springboks since 2008 and only played 12 Test matches, but every time I get selected, or even performing a supporting role, it’s an unbelievable honour.

“Siya (Kolisi) is still our captain and I am going to rely heavily on him and the other leaders in our team. From my perspective, we just want a complete team performance, and if we can get that right then I think we will be happy as a team.”

Brits was a stalwart for the Cape Town-based DHL Stormers and then joined English club Saracens where he has attained almost cult-like status. He returned to South Africa after his contract in England ended and came out of retirement to join the Bulls for the 2019 Super Rugby campaign, after which he was called up to the Springboks.

“Being back in the country and then part of the squad is unbelievable and I am really grateful, every day, for having a second chance,” said Brits.

The popular hooker was quick to dispel any notion that Saturday’s match will be about cementing places in Springboks’ Rugby World Cup squad, which will be announced on Monday, 26 August.

“From a performance point of view, we just want to put up a performance that our other team mates will be proud of. We have a specific plan and a process and if we follow that then hopefully we will be successful,” said Brits.

He added that Argentina will be very difficult opponent at Loftus: “At Saracens I played alongside some Argentina team mates and I can tell you they are a tough bunch, very proud and very hard to play against.

“They have made some changes and we know they will come very hard at us, so we will have to be prepared for that,” according to Brits.

Scarra Ntubeni is set to make his Springbok debut off the bench tomorrow, and Brits had a few word of encouragement for the DHL Western Province hooker, whom he described as “a great rugby player and even a better person”.

“I’ve seen Scarra from a young age and although I’m very grey, he is getting more grey than me! It’s amazing to see a guy like that who have been in the trenches, had a lot of injuries and coming through the system,” said Brits.

“I’m backing him and he’s backing me up tomorrow. To learn everything in one week is tough but he is a clever player so I can’t wait to see him the Green and Gold and I hope he puts in a performance (when he gets onto the field) that is unbelievable.”