French winger believes SA can be dangerous

YOANN Huget is not ready to write the Springboks off just yet.

Despite their lamentable record of eight defeats from 12 tests last year‚ he has first-hand knowledge of what it is like to be down and out‚ battered and bruised.

France’s winger‚ cum fullback suffered a catastrophic, near career-ending injury in the last Rugby World Cup but insists that where there is belief and dedication‚ fortunes can be turned around.

Mentally, the 30-year-old had to dig deep after suffering a knee injury in France’s opening match against Italy in 2015.

“It was very difficult. It required that I take some time off – an entire year‚ in fact‚ to get back,” the bearded player said.

“Things are a lot better now. Now I have a good feeling‚”

He believes the Springboks can also find themselves in a better space before long.

They may be vulnerable after last season’s disappointments‚ but it also means that, like a caged beast, they can convulse unpredictably.

“It could be a very dangerous team‚” Huget said.

“They are not that used to losing so many matches but we don’t want to dwell on what they might bring too much.”

He noted that the Springboks had made some changes in personnel‚ which means they may be a different proposition than a year ago.

“They have had a lot of staff changes and changes in defence and attack,” Huget said.

“We have to adapt our game regardless. In the northern hemisphere there is a difference in the way we ruck and maul.

“The game is also a lot faster in Super Rugby.

“The challenge awaiting us is a lot different than what we are used to in the Six Nations.

“It has been a long season and it has been difficult, which makes this a good challenge to come to South Africa.”