Brits has point to prove at Newlands

Published May 6, 2005

Share

If it was up to Joost van der Westhuizen, Schalk Brits would be the Springbok hooker and not John Smit. Dropping the national captain might be too big a call, but there can be no doubt that Brits is an extraordinary talent and is going to play for South Africa one day.

In fact, the clamour for his selection might is becoming louder than it was for Blue Bulls star Gary Botha in 2004.

Brits, of course, left the Cape in search of game time at the Lions, and hasn't looked back. He'll be back at Newlands on Saturday... with a point to prove.

We're doing this interview in Stellenbosch on one of your off days. Is your heart still here?

Right now my loyalty is with the Lions and the Cats. Those are the teams I would like to see being successful. I'd like to help the Lions win the Currie Cup. I am very loyal to Lions coach Frans Ludeke.

But your heart is still here, isn't it?

My girlfriend still lives here. In terms of family it's more towards Mossel Bay.

There's a rumour that you're coming back to Western Province once the season finishes. What's the real story?

In all honesty it's just speculation. I'll see how things look at the end of the year, but right now I'm very happy at the Lions. They have shown me a lot of loyalty.

So there is a chance that you will be staying there?

For sure. I'll see how it goes in the Currie Cup. The rumour started because I hadn't yet signed for the Lions earlier this year because of certain financial issues that remained unresolved. Province were interested because they heard I hadn't signed. I sought legal advice and was told that I was still bound to a contract. I sorted it out with the Lions and I'll stay with them this year before making a decision.

What motivated you to join the Lions?

I wanted game time. I had been in the Cape from school and was a loyal Western Province player and fan. But it turned into a situation where I was waiting too long. I didn't know whether the current structure in WP had faith in me, so I made the move and am very happy I did.

Was the problem at WP that you were considered too small?

I don't know what their reasons were. They just didn't play me and then they still wanted to contract David Britz. That was my cue to leave. Frans said they would welcome me with open arms. If a coach shows confidence in you, you really want to go out there and perform.

How important is it for a hooker to be big?

It depends what kind of hooker you are. You get the tight type and the one that plays like a flank. I'd like to pick up a kilo or so, but in the Super 12 I haven't struggled because of my weight. The Super 12 is very fast and I can get around the park. I am enjoying it very much, although the results don't show it! (Laughs)

Do you think there is too much emphasis on size in South Africa?

It's interesting in New Zealand and Australia they call us "the bulky players". We are considered big and dumb. It's incredible how critical their media is of us. Not that I can blame them for the way we play over there. But I must say I am feeling great. I'm in good condition.

How have you experienced your first season of Super 12 rugby?

I've learnt a lot. With Os du Randt and Marius Hurter next to me, my life was made very easy in the scrums. My locks also made it easy in the lineouts. I've learnt a lot as a team player and as an individual. One of the things I learnt was that there is no respect from opponents when you're on the field. It's war out there. It's only afterwards that you drink a beer together and chat a bit.

Why are our teams not competitive when they play there?

I don't know. I can only talk from our perspective. Against the Blues I felt we were in the game and then they scored a try from a lineout which made it very difficult. We also had our chances against the Crusaders and the Reds. The other problem is that we play together as a team for three or four months and are up against opponents who have been together for several years. You can't get to the desired level of interplay inside a few months. It comes over time. Take the Crusaders as an example. I don't believe their players are more talented or skilful. They just know each other a lot better.

Presumably that means it's best to split the Lions and Free State in the near future.

I think it will be more effective for the plain reason that you'll be able to play together more.

What about the idea of merging the Blue Bulls and the Lions for a Super 14 region?

(Smiles) It won't work! You will sit with the same problem as you have with the Lions and Free State. They are unions rooted in their own culture. It's difficult to merge them and tell them to go out and play. They've been playing against each other for decades.

Will you be out to prove a point at Newlands this weekend?

(Smiles) I will always be out to prove a point when I play at Newlands! But I'd like to do that on every field. You have to perform from week to week. It's easy to play one or two good games, but what every person strives for is to play consistently well.

But surely you must be thinking "I didn't get a fair deal at Newlands, so I'll show them." Does that give it a bit of an edge?

That will always be in the back of my mind, Stephen! (Laughs) I can't wait, but let the rugby rather do the talking.

Quite a few people have said that with all your skills you should consider another position - perhaps flank or even centre. Have you ever given that any thought?

People have told me that, but for me there's nothing as enjoyable as playing at hooker. I don't want to play any other position. The reason I like playing hooker is because there are so many dimensions to the game. I can run with the ball, throw it in, scrum.

Did you feel you deserved better than going on the SA A tour at the end of last season?

I had played reasonably well. The national coach has his ideas and it's up to me to play consistently good rugby so that he ends up having to pick me. For me that's more of an inspiration than anything else. I have a point to prove and will always have a point to prove.

Are there any other hookers that have inspired you? Someone told me the other day that you're like Uli (Schmidt) without the nasty edge.

I get my inspiration from the goals I set myself. It's an honour to be likened to Uli, but I'm trying to play my game and bring in the Schalk Brits pattern.

Which hooker have you most admired?

I always admired Keith Wood because he just did what he wanted on the field. He had the guts to kick and run when he wanted. Some coaches get angry if you do something out of the ordinary. If you are going to play with fear you will have problems. I play the way I want and would like a coach that will allow that.

Do South African players make a point of enjoying themselves when they go overseas?

We had a relaxed set-up. Baywatch (Grobbelaar) and I took a ferry to some of the islands and played golf. What makes our tours tough is that we go for four weeks. It's easy for me, but there are guys like Os who already have kids. He might come back and find that his child has learned to walk or said his first word. At the moment I can move around and even go and play in Australia if I want to.

Is it an option to go and play overseas?

It definitely is. I want to do what is best for my rugby and if I have to go overseas to do it, then I will. At the moment there's not much keeping me here. I want to be the best player I can be and I believe I can be successful.

What about the Springboks? You have played for SA A and thus can't qualify for another country.

I don't know what the situation is there. For me it's just about what's best for my rugby. Fortunately my girlfriend (Colinda) is from the Netherlands. She will go with me and also has to consider her career.

Do you rate Baywatch very highly?

For sure. I'm pretty biased because we are roommates, but he puts his body on the line every week. The intensity with which he plays is incredible. He inspires me. To play like that every week in spite of losing that guy is just incredible. He deserves higher honours.

What is Wikus van Heerden like as a captain and player?

He inspires his team-mates with his game. He's very under-rated, an excellent player.

Do you enjoy working with Frans and Loffie (Eugene Eloff) at the Lions?

The set-up at the Lions is superb. They're busy expanding. There are even rooms where you can sleep in the afternoons and they are building an entertainment centre. They have a technical department where you can analyse your opponents. I haven't met as good a coaching combination as Frans and Eugene. They played a big role in my development.

They're decent people as well, aren't they?

Excellent. Stephen, if you can get an honest guy, you're already 80 percent there. Honesty is what every rugby player wants from a coach. If a player is going to be third choice in his position then tell him that's the case and what he needs to do. Coaches want to retain the players and consequently aren't always honest with them.

How big a loss will it be if Pat Barnard quits South African rugby?

He's one of the best tightheads I have played with. He deserves more than sitting on the bench. He's an incredible player. It will be a tragedy if we lose him. South African rugby can't afford it. I understand his position because he's not getting game time. You will go where you can get that.

Which player in world rugby do you really enjoy watching?

Lote Tuqiri. I would sit in front of the TV just to watch him the lines he runs and the manner in which he breaks tackles.

What is your golf handicap?

It's an eight. It used to be a six, but I'd like to push it up to a 12! Some of the guys in the team play off an 18 and you know for a fact they are a 12, then they take all the cash!

Related Topics: