Lions utility back Erich Cronjé says spending time training with the Springboks has motivated him even more to play in the green and gold.
Cronjé got a taste of life inside the Bok camp after scoring against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in August, earning a week-long call-up alongside teammate Henco van Wyk ahead of the third Test at FNB Stadium.
The experience left the 29-year-old hungry for more as he targets a place on the Springboks’ end-of-year tour to Europe as part of the Nations Championship.
“It’s special to get a call-up, to train and learn from the best in the world at the moment,” Cronjé told the media on Tuesday.
“It was a great experience for me. I’m always eager to learn from the best in my position and from guys who have 140 caps, like Eben Etzebeth.
“It was a great experience. I didn’t think I would get the call-up, but I believe in God and everything that comes with it.”
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Cronjé’s versatility could strengthen his case. The Lions back can cover centre and wing, and believes being able to operate in multiple positions is increasingly valuable at international level.
“At the Springboks, they call it being a hybrid. It’s always good to be a hybrid,” he said.
“I did play wing when I was with the Southern Kings. It’s always nice to play both and to have experience there. I have a lot of caps at centre and wing.”
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With the Lions preparing to open their URC campaign against defending champions Leinster at Ellis Park on Saturday, Cronjé knows he has another opportunity to put his hand up.
“I want to be one of the top performers in our team and get a call-up for the end-of-year tour with the Springboks,” he said.
“The reality is that when you get older, the opportunity becomes less, but I always have that belief. That’s why I’m doing this. That’s why all of us are doing this – to get the opportunity to get a call-up and to express yourself.”
Erich Cronje and Henco van Wyk train with the Boks
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The post Bok bug has bitten Erich appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Lions utility back Erich Cronjé says spending time training with the Springboks has motivated him even more to play in the green and gold.
The post Bok bug has bitten Erich appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
