Jean de Villiers was the “glue that held the team together”, according to former Springbok Ashwin Willemse, who said De Villiers’s absence would have an impact on the team.
“It’s heart-breaking to lose our captain and regardless of the criticism, we all respect and appreciate Jean for his contribution and feel his pain.”
However, Willemse still believes South Africa has a chance to win the World Cup.
“To bounce back after their devastating loss against Japan shows their ‘never say die’ attitude.”
Willemse, who is now a SuperSport rugby commentator and analyst, was speaking to the Cape Argus at his old school in his home-town of Caledon where he had taken some copies of his new book Rugby Changed my World: The Ashwin Willemse Story, which was launched in Joburg on Monday.
It documents his often painful journey through drug use and gangsterism and how he defied the odds to become who he is today.
His visit coincided with the handover of a new Swartberg Secondary School where he and Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga – who described Willemse as a “national asset” – were speakers.
Willemse thanked the principal and the governing body for not throwing him out for being a drug addict and a gangster during his time there.
“If there was one person at the school who deserved to be kicked out it was me.”
He said he had fond memories of playing rugby and competing in athletics on the nearby sports field but also remembers how he used to smoke and do drugs on the same grounds.
“I’m a living example to stand here and tell you, you are bigger than your challenges, you are bigger than your circumstances. Don’t give up on yourselves, and don’t give up on your dreams,” he told pupils.
Willemse attributes much of his success to friends and mentors including fellow Bok Breyton Paulse.
“He came to the school and spoke and I connected with every word.
“At that stage I was a drug addict, and had tried to commit suicide.
“I was part of a gang and no one had any reason to have any hope for my future.”
Willemse recalls how he was selected for the Craven Week team but the schooldidn’t have the funds to send him – and without hesitation Paulse promised to help.
Willemse said he didn’t believe it would come to anything but a few days later he was called to the principal’s office expecting the worst. Instead it was tog bag full of everything he needed for Craven Week.
He said that was 1999 and five years later they played together as teammates in the Bok squad – Willemse on the left wing and Paulse on the right.
Asked by the Cape Argus about the recent row over transformation, Willemse said it was important to realise it was not an overnight process, as Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has pointed out.
“Every South African grows up wanting to represent South Africa but there are only a handful of opportunities.”
Grade 11 pupil Danielle Hansen said she was inspired by Willemse’s talk.
“He came out of a small place like Caledon and has made a huge success. It’s very motivating.”
She said when she looked at him she thought: “There goes an icon of our school.”
Teacher Andre de Bruyn, who coached Willemse in rugby at school, said you could see potential in somebody’s eyes.
“It’s not what they wear or where they come from. And I saw greatness in his eyes.”
Principal Eugene Sonn said Willemse was always a good rugby player but had problems with drugs: “Everyone saw the potential but I would never haveimagined he would have reached the heights he did.”
*Willemse’s book will be on shelves on Friday at all Makro and CNA outlets nationwide, as well as online at www.takealot.com. - Cape Argus