Jean de Villiers says Tony Brown’s influence on Vusi Moyo’s eye-catching Springbok debut went far beyond tactics.
Moyo was one of the surprise selections in Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the Springboks’ 80-31 victory over the Barbarians in Gqeberha, having played just one senior professional match before earning his opportunity in green and gold.
The young flyhalf wasted little time making an impression.
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After entering the game in the second half, Moyo helped ignite the Springboks’ attack with a confident display that included an assist for a try by Faf de Klerk and a long pass that paved the way for another score.
Speaking on The Verdict podcast, De Villiers revealed a moment before Moyo entered the field that highlighted Brown’s investment in the next generation of Springboks.
“We know now, from an attacking point of view and technically, how good Tony Brown is,” said De Villiers.
“But I think this is one element that we don’t see.”
The former Bok captain explained how Brown left the coaches’ box shortly before Moyo’s introduction to spend time with the youngster.
“I saw him coming down obviously from the coaching box to Vusi Moyo,” said De Villiers.
“All the other reserves were already on. He came down to him just to settle him down and just have a quick little word about what he’s expecting of him.”
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Former Bok loose forward Schalk Burger suggested Brown was preparing Moyo for the pictures he would encounter on the field, before sending him into the contest.
De Villiers believes the brief interaction revealed another side to the highly regarded attack coach.
“Arm around the shoulder and that’s it,” he said.
“I think people don’t realise the value of that, not just being technically good, but being able to really care about the individual.
“Yes, he’s going to the All Blacks after the World Cup, but I think anyone who ever thought the loyalty is not there, that kind of shows it.”
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Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
The post Jean lauds Tony’s ‘arm around the shoulder’ gesture appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jean de Villiers says Tony Brown’s influence on Vusi Moyo’s eye-catching Springbok debut went far beyond tactics.
The post Jean lauds Tony’s ‘arm around the shoulder’ gesture appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
