Former Springbok breakdown specialist Heinrich Brüssow believes Rassie Erasmus should throw Paul de Villiers into the deep end against the All Blacks.
The Stormers jackal has grabbed his opportunities at international level this season following injuries to Siya Kolisi and Kwagga Smith, with Brüssow convinced the 23-year-old has the skill set to become a major weapon for South Africa.
The former Bok openside believes the current laws have once again placed a premium on players who can disrupt opposition possession at the breakdown.
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“It’s very nice to see that there is someone again who specifically focuses so completely on the loose balls,” Brüssow told Rapport.
Brüssow says De Villiers offers more than just his breakdown work.
“He is also a good ball carrier. He is fast. His support play is good,” he said.
“It will be very nice to see him against the All Blacks. It is the right time to unleash him. He has already shown us what he can do. His mindset is right.”
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Brüssow believes the Greatest Rivalry series could provide the ideal testing ground for De Villiers, and he sees a much bigger prize on the horizon.
“If you give the youngster enough Tests and as many Tests as possible against the All Blacks with next year in mind, we could go to the World Cup with perhaps one of the best ball thieves in the world,” he said. “He really has a high ceiling.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Brüssow: Unleash De Villiers on All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok breakdown specialist Heinrich Brüssow believes Rassie Erasmus should throw Paul de Villiers into the deep end against the All Blacks.
The post Brüssow: Unleash De Villiers on All Blacks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
