By Jacques van der Westhuyzen
Every once in a while the game of rugby produces a rare talent. A player that epitomises the word special.
Think Jonah Lomu, Jonny Wilkinson, Brent Russell, Schalk Burger, to name a few. Now, there's a new man on the horizon - and he's yet to play Super 12 rugby.
The Lions' Schalk Brits has been turning in match-winning performance after match-winning performance since taking over the number two jersey earlier this season, and has played a significant part in the turn-around of the red and white team during the Currie Cup.
In Brits's case, it's not a matter of whether he'll don the Bok green and gold, but when.
The livewire hooker has been outstanding in every department. His line-out throwing - the most vital element of a hooker's makeup - has hit the mark on nearly every occasion, but it's been his robust, aggressive displays in open play that have allowed him to take a giant leap forward in his
endeavour to catch the eye of the national selectors.
In Brits, Lions coach Frans Ludeke has an extra loose forward as well as an additional back. He challenges for the ball at the breakdowns, runs like a gazelle with the backs and tackles as if he is the last man in defence.
The 23 year old has been likened to former Springbok legend Uli Schmidt and the comparison is not far off the mark. In his day, Schmidt was the best in the world - always part of the action and not standing back to anyone. Brits is the same.
"I followed his career when I was a youngster, but also enjoyed watching Ireland's Keith Wood in action," says Brits. "I just liked the way Wood played the game; his whole work ethic stuck with me, but I prefer to think I have my own identity and bring something else to the game that neither Wood or Schmidt offered."
Brits, like Schmidt, is not a huge man. He's 1,82m tall and weighs a decent 93kg - good enough to be intimidating on the field, but nowhere near the kind of build that's going to scare anyone. He's no monster, but why should he be? His primary task is putting the ball into the line-out and serving as a link-man in open play - something he does very well.
The legend himself is full of praise for the young man. "I've been really impressed with him," says Schmidt.
"His performances against Western Province and the Sharks were unbelievable, but it's been his constant good displays that have really stuck with me.
"He's very explosive, quick off the mark and his work-rate is great. He doesn't just stand around waiting for things to happen. He climbs in and gets involved."
Brits has very quickly gone from almost unknown to being a possible superstar.
He matriculated from Paul Roos Gimnasium in 1999 before turning out for Maties and the Western Province under-19, under-21 and Vodacom Cup teams. He even warmed the bench on two occasions during the 2002 Currie Cup season.
"I was very happy at Western Province, but never got the opportunity to show what I was really capable of," explains Brits. "My career was basically going nowhere, so I had a chat to the Lions coaching staff and moved up to Johannesburg at the end of last year."
But Brits first completed his studies at Stellenbosch. "There are many variables in rugby and I wanted to ensure there was something for me when my rugby days are over," he says.
"Obtaining my degree before making the move north was very important to me," says the man with an accounting degree behind his name.
Arriving at the Lions in the pre-season, Brits was selected for the Renegades to play matches against the Super 12 sides, but then a nasty injury meant he would miss most of the Vodacom Cup. He returned to action in time for the semifinals and final, but was still not deemed good enough to force his way into the Cats team.
"My goal was the Super 12, but the injury changed that, but more importantly, men like Delarey du Preez, James van der Walt, André van Niekerk and Lukas van Biljon were standing in my path," says Brits.
Du Preez then left for abroad, Van der Walt picked up an injury and Van Niekerk also decided to further his career overseas. Van Biljon was also soon on the injured list and battling to regain the kind of form that made him a Springbok.
Brits finally got his chance in the Currie Cup. Now he's the first-choice player by a long margin.
"Schalk's done superbly for us," says Lions coach Frans Ludeke. "He's fought his way into the starting XV and always been confident of his own abilities.
"Coming to the Lions knowing that a bunch of other men were standing in his way speaks volumes for his character. He knows what he's capable of and that's what makes good players."
Brits now has his eye on a place in the Cats team next year. "I really want to play Super 12 rugby. I want to measure myself against the best in the world. And then who knows what might happen.
"My ultimate goal is to play for South Africa, but I know that consistency will be vital. Too many guys have played for the Boks who haven't shown consistency. I want to get in and stay there... for a long time."
And Brits will need all the consistency he can find if he's to convince Jake White he's deserving of a spot in his team. Standing in his way are captain John Smit, back-up Hanyani Shimange and possibly Blue Bull Gary Botha.
"The more competition there is the better for the game," says Brits, no doubt prepared to bide his time and let his rugby do the talking.
"Sure, there are some good men around, but talking and reputations get you nowhere. I want my rugby to do the business for me.
After all, it's what happens on the field that matters most."
Schmidt says it's great to see so many good hookers vying for the Bok team again.
"There are really a good bunch of men around and that's fantastic. They're going to give one another a lot of uphill in the years ahead and that will improve our rugby tremendously.
"And they're all different. It depends on what a coach wants in a hooker and the kind of game he intends playing.
"John Smit is more of a bargerk, while Hanyani, Gary and Schalk are more mobile men. But that they're all good players is a fact."