Brits returns as Erasmus looks for a mentor

GETTING ANOTHER CAP?: South Africa’s Schalk Brits has been called up to the Springbok squad and will be considered for the remaining Tests against England, coach Rasssie Erasmus has revealed. A MONTH after calling time on his career and just weeks after playing his last game for Saracens in England, veteran hooker Schalk Brits is back in rugby – and in position to face a number of teammates and friends in Eddie Jones’ England team.

The 37-year-old watched the Boks beat England as a fan in the Ellis Park crowd last weekend only to be called up for the remaining two Tests – here on Saturday and in Cape Town next weekend.

“I was in Ibiza last week, before going to Joburg with some British friends, to watch the game. It was the first time I’d ever watched the Boks as a fan in the stands. And what a game,” he said briefly at the Bok team hotel yesterday. “I had a few holiday plans for this week and next week, too, but those will have to wait now,” added Brits with a big beaming smile.

Bok boss Rassie Erasmus, who worked with Brits at the Stormers several years ago, said the veteran hooker would very much be in the selection mix this week and next Saturday. “He’ll definitely be considered for the matchday 23 in the next two games. The whole squad knows where they stand. We have to try a few things ... and it’s important we learn from each other ...”

Erasmus, though, said that Brits, with all his experience, would also fulfil a mentorship role. “We wanted Bismarck (du Plessis) here, but that didn’t work out ... but now the guys in the squad can learn from Schalk, rub shoulders with him; pick up things about the smaller aspects of hooker play. He’s played in different conditions and in different countries ... just like Faf (de Klerk), Duane (Vermeulen) and Willie (le Roux). I know what Schalk can bring to the squad.

“We’ll reassess our situation after the Cape Town Test, but Schalk is fit and strong, like the other overseas guys who came in, having last played a game just over two weeks ago. The more guys we can get into our squad who’ve been there and done it, the better.”

Brits will, of course, also be able to pass on some inside knowledge of the England players.

Erasmus also confirmed yesterday that De Klerk and Le Roux had been secured to play for the Boks in the Rugby Championship later this year. There is however some doubt around the availability of Vermeulen.

“Faf and Willie will be available later this year, but not Duane ... he might only be able to play certain games,” said Erasmus. “But we need to see how we can get along without him anyway, and the likes of Warren (Whiteley) will be back by then, and also Malcolm Marx and Eben Etzebeth, Lizo (Gqboka)and Coenie Oosthuizen.”

It also appears Erasmus will continue to try get Montpellier in France to release Frans Steyn and Du Plessis for action. –