Embrose Papier says he never stopped believing he would get another chance with the Springboks.
Papier was overlooked for the Boks’ first alignment camp of the year before being called up for the second in Cape Town this week.
The world champions have been rocked by long-term injuries to scrumhalves Cobus Reinach and Morné van den Berg, which could end Papier’s eight-year wait for another Test opportunity.
“I just kept working. I knew I could still do it. It was just little things I had to work on,” Papier told Rapport.
The Vodacom Bulls star was 21 when selected by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus in 2018, making seven Test appearances.
“I was still so young,” he said. “I became a lot calmer over the years and started making better decisions on the field.
“My whole family was a bit shocked [in 2018] because I was still so young and I remember being very emotional.”
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Papier is now older and wiser – and a better player.
“In the past, I used to just pass a lot and see what happens,” he said. “But now I analyse teams. I try to steal lines [after I pass]. The more experience you gain, the better decisions you make.”
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While his trademark speed remains a major weapon, Papier says his understanding of game management has improved significantly.
“You can see when the forwards are going forward or being tackled backwards, then you know when to make the ball slow or fast.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Embrose never lost Bok belief appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Embrose Papier said he never stopped believing that he would get another chance with the Springboks, despite eight long years in the international wilderness.
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