I’ll fight to be a Bok, says Bulls star

For all his free-spirited and jolly nature, Francois Hougaard has vowed to fight for his place in the World Cup squad. Photo: Leon Lestrade

For all his free-spirited and jolly nature, Francois Hougaard has vowed to fight for his place in the World Cup squad. Photo: Leon Lestrade

Published Jul 4, 2015

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Johannesburg - For all his free-spirited and jolly nature, Springbok and Bulls utility back Francois Hougaard has vowed to fight for his place in the Bok World Cup squad.

Hougaard was a surprise exclusion from the 49-man squad announced by Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer last week.

Famous for his flair and ability to turn a game on its head whether playing at scrumhalf or wing, Hougaard admitted he was disappointed at not making the squad but said he would fight to prove that he should be with the Boks in England in September.

“I think it’s disappointing for anyone who wants to play for the Springboks and has played for them,” he said.

“When you put goals out there it is also disappointing but it also motivates me to play harder and improve in all aspects.”

Although Hougaard’s preference for playing on the wing in this year’s Super Rugby competition might have contributed to his exclusion from the national team, it was a move that brought him a lot of happiness.

However, the 27-year-old said he would be playing at scrumhalf for the Blue Bulls during the Currie Cup season to give himself a fighting chance of making a return to the Bok team.

“What was most important for me was that I enjoyed my rugby,” he said. “Not every game is one going to play an outstanding game but there were a few games that I enjoyed playing on the wing. I had a lot of fun in Super Rugby but now for the Currie Cup I am going to focus on nine.

“I have played scrumhalf before at the Springboks. I have hope of going to the World Cup. It is my main goal and it will remain my main goal up until that squad is finalised. I’m fully committed to playing here because I could have gone overseas and run away from the challenges. I’m not someone who runs away from any challenges. I think life is all about challenges and I could not have found a better one with not being in the Springbok squad.”

Hougaard’s optimism clearly stems from Meyer’s comments this week that there were still places up for grabs in the World Cup squad and that he would be keeping a close eye on certain individuals during the Currie Cup.

If Hougaard can replicate the form that saw him become one of the world’s most lethal attacking players in 2010 and 2011, then there is no reason why the former Paul Roos pupil cannot secure his place at his second consecutive World Cup.

He said he was willing to make the necessary sacrifices and a move back to scrumhalf would stand him in better stead to challenge for a place in the squad, with Fourie du Preez injured and the likes of Ruan Pienaar, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach and Rudy Paige having been behind him in the pecking order in previous years.

“Change is good and I think I needed change,” he said.

“This is an awesome challenge and I’m more than ready for it. I’m training harder than I’ve ever trained and that’s what comes with wanting something - you need to make a lot of sacrifices. I will focus on nine and really try my best to make my mark. If I get selected for the Springboks at least I will be ready because I would have played there (nine).

“There is always this discussion about whether I should play at nine or 14. Whether I get selected for the Springboks is not always in my hands. I didn’t make the squad but I am a fighter and I will never back down from any challenges,” Hougaard concluded.

Saturday Star

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