Steven Kitshoff believes Springbok hopefuls will have to prove far more than their rugby ability if they want to become part of Rassie Erasmus’ World Cup plans.
As the Boks begin another international season with an extended training squad, the recently retired prop says Erasmus is searching for players who can pass what has become known as the “warrior test” – the ability to perform when the pressure is at its greatest.
Speaking to News24, Kitshoff said the coming months will reveal which players are prepared to put their bodies on the line when the team needs them most.
“The team is going to be put under fire,” said Kitshoff. “I think Rassie is going to make it as difficult as possible to see who are the guys willing to step up and show a bit of warrior spirit.
“When it comes to being a warrior, it’s a guy not afraid to put their body on the line when teams are getting momentum or when there’s an opportunity to be taken in a scrum, lineout or tackle that needs to be made – it’s the guy willing to step up.”
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For Kitshoff, those moments rarely arrive when everything is going according to plan.
“It’s easy to step up when you play against Italy at Loftus in front of 50,000 South Africans. But then, when it’s 19-19 at Ellis Park and the All Blacks are on your tryline, are you willing to put your shoulder in a dark place to stop a guy from scoring a try because it means more to you than having a good shoulder?”
Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
The post Kitsie: Players must pass Rassie’s ‘warrior test’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Steven Kitshoff believes Springbok hopefuls will have to prove far more than their rugby ability if they want to become part of Rassie Erasmus’ World Cup plans.
The post Kitsie: Players must pass Rassie’s ‘warrior test’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
