Papier itching to walk in footsteps of great No 9s
STEPPING into the boots and jersey once worn by the late great Springbok and Bulls scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen and the retired Fourie du Preez is daunting, but it doesn’t faze Embrose Papier.
The 20-year-old Papier looks likely to be the “chosen one” at number nine at Loftus Versfeld to fill the void that has been left after almost two decades of genius scrumhalves in Van der Westhuizen and Du Preez who not only brought silverware to the Bulls but also carved their names in the Springbok rugby annals.
Papier is not rattled by the enormity of trying to replicate the feats of his childhood heroes, especially Du Preez, and instead wants to learn from those around him about the finer art of becoming a worldclass scrumhalf and work towards one day becoming a Bulls and Springbok great.
“I would say there is pressure but I don’t focus on that. I just want to focus on what my job requires and I want to learn a lot from Andre Warner and Ivan van Zyl, I think they are also great scrumhalves. I learn every day, and from every player, and that makes it easier,” said Napier.
While it might be still early days to make big pronouncements on where Papier’s career will end, there have been encouraging signs during the Bulls pre-season friendlies as to why coach John Mitchell chose the former Hoerskool Garsfontein pupil over Springbok scrumhalf Rudy Paige to be part of his Super Rugby plans.
Papier admits it came as a shock to be considered above a player like Paige and his elevation to Super Rugby was unexpected, but the Junior Springbok halfback is looking forward to living his dream in his maiden Super Rugby season after putting in the hard yards in pre-season.
Armed with a crisp and quick pass off the base of the scrum and at rucks, and with the ability to make the right decisions even when under pressure, Papier will prove to be a valuable asset for the Bulls and Mitchell’s rapid and expansive game-plan.
Papier is fearless on the field. And while there is little to criticise or any glaring weaknesses to speak of, Papier knows that there is still a lot to learn and polish in his game to become the complete package.
“I worked hard during the preseason on the things that I have struggled with. I didn’t expect (the Super Rugby call) but I am looking forward to it,” Papier admitted.
“It means a lot to me to be part of the Super Rugby squad. As a young boy I always dreamt of becoming a part of the Blue Bulls and it is a huge honour for me. As a young boy I always looked up to players like Bryan Habana and Francois Hougaard, they inspired me a lot, especially to see them playing for the Blue Bulls.
Papier is under no illusion of how steep the road ahead is and that he won’t have the No 9 jersey handed to him, but he finds comfort in having some of his Junior Springbok teammates, like flyhalf Manie Libbok, around.
At the same time, Papier is relishing the chance of playing alongside Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard when he makes his Super Rugby debut hopefully against the Hurricanes in the Bulls’ opener.
“(My relationship with Manie) is really tight so it makes it a lot easier. I’ve passed a few balls to Handre Pollard at training, but it would be nice if we can play together,” Papier said.