Listen & read
Faf de Klerk's Return Boosts Springboks Ahead of Rugby Championship
Moreover, Faf de Klerk is thrilled to rejoin the Springboks squad after his recent move to the Cheetahs. The experienced scrum-half, who has two Rugby World Cup titles to his name, looks to make an impact in the upcoming season. He earned his 60th cap for South Africa during a match against Georgia in Nelspruit last year.
Additionally, De Klerk missed out on the Rugby Championship and the end-of-year tour, but now he has a chance to showcase his skills. He has been named in the training squad ahead of the opening fixtures of the year. The Springboks will compete against the Barbarians while South Africa A faces Zimbabwe.
Faf de Klerk's Journey Back to South African Rugby
Furthermore, De Klerk expressed his excitement about returning to South African provincial rugby. After spending four years with the Canon Eagles in Japan, he signed a two-year deal with the Cheetahs. He believes this move marks a beneficial chapter for both him and his family.
In particular, the 34-year-old mentioned the ease of travel as a significant advantage of his return. He stated, “I can fly to Bloemfontein, and I’m home. I don’t have to do another massive travel.” De Klerk is eager to contribute to his new club while keeping his primary focus on performing well enough to reclaim his spot with the Springboks.
Springboks' Depth and Competition for Places
Notably, while De Klerk aims to increase his Test caps this year, he faces stiff competition for a spot in the squad. The injury of fellow World Cup winner Cobus Reinach opens a door, but the competition remains fierce. Rising talents like Imad Khan, Haashim Pead, and Nico Steyn have been included in the squad for the double-header in Port Elizabeth.
Additionally, Grant Williams has returned to full fitness, and Embrose Papier is expected to join the national team soon after the Bulls’ URC final. Jaden Hendrikse is also set to make a comeback later this year. With such depth in the Springboks' lineup, De Klerk understands the importance of proving his worth in training and matches.
In summary, Faf de Klerk's return to the Springboks could be pivotal as the team prepares for the Rugby Championship. His experience and determination to succeed will be essential as South Africa faces tough competition. To stay on top of all things Rugby Championship, follow Sports-Podcasts.com on YouTube.
Comments (0)