Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk could not have been more explicit about his team’s goals against Argentina on Saturday, which are to return home with a clean sweep of Rugby Championship points.
The Boks will know exactly where they stand in the standings by the time they kick off in Buenos Aires because the All Blacks and Wallabies are playing in Melbourne today. The South Africans will be hoping that neither team earns a bonus point, but their best chance of winning the championship is to earn a maximum of 10 points from their final two games.
The current Rugby Championship is the closest in years, with the All Blacks holding a one-point advantage over the other three nations.
De Klerk stated, “Bonus points are essential, and we know we need a clean sweep of five points from each of our next two games.”
“We want to go into our final game (also against Argentina) in Durban with a chance to win the title.”
De Klerk missed the Boks’ convincing victory over the Wallabies in Sydney and now finds himself in the unaccustomed position of replacement. However, in modern rugby, “finishers” are as as important as “starters.”
“We understand our role while coming off the bench. De Klerk stated, “A lot is said to us, especially in my position (as playmaker).” “I will need to either speed up the game or attempt to gain a bit more control. It depends on where we are on the scoreboard and if we are attempting to gain a lead or chase down an opponent. It will be crucial that I correctly interpret the game situation.
“If you are on the bench, you are no longer only an injured replacement.”
The guys who finish the game will have a tremendous amount of responsibility against a team like Argentina, who will be so determined in front of their home audience.”
De Klerk stated that the Pumas have become more consistent over the past several years and must be considered one of the finest teams in the world.
“They have been more consistent against the elite sides, including Australia and New Zealand,” he stated. “Every aspect of their game has improved… They have always been physical and have recently acquired a deft kicking style, in addition to having confidence-inspiring players in Europe. They are now a genuine world-class rugby team.”
Extremely competitive De Klerk is not used to playing second fiddle and is aware that he must perform well to exert pressure on Jaden Hendrikse, the new incumbent.
“This has been a difficult period for me,” added De Klerk. “Specifically following the concussion. It was a little strange to return, as it was the first time in my career I had gone through that procedure. You genuinely want to train every day to give yourself another chance to be chosen, but you are eliminated.
“However, we are here for a purpose, and when the opportunity arises, we must seize it. When playing for your country, you only get one shot and must make the most of it.”
Due to the absence of Elton Jantjies, coach Jacques Nienaber has stated that De Klerk will be considered as a backup flyhalf on Saturday, after Damian Willemse and Frans Steyn.
“I played quite a bit of flyhalf in high school and even at the Under-19 level,” De Klerk added. “At Sale Sharks in England, I also played flyhalf for a few games.
Therefore, I am really comfortable playing flyhalf. Obviously, Test rugby is on a different level. If the team needs me there, then I will play there. I must train a bit more, but if the opportunity presents itself, I will seize it.”
@MikeGreenaway67