England’s antidote to the venom
EMBATTLED England found out yesterday that, fresh from dealing with a knot of snakes, they could have another slippery customer to deal with on Saturday after South Africa called Schalk Brits out of retirement.
The 37-year-old, who redefined the role of hooker with his hot-stepping in a glorious career at Saracens, officially hung up his boots after the Premiership final.
But as England were indulging in a spot of reptilehandling at their Durban hotel to distract themselves from another defeat, Brits was readying himself to strike for the Boks again.
“We are busy with building experience, continuity and capacity towards the World Cup, so we want our young players rubbing shoulders with experienced players such as Duane Vermeulen and Willie le Roux,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
“I want Schalk to perform a similar role, because he has extensive inside knowledge and plenty of experience from playing for Saracens in the English and European conditions. It’s a great way for our younger guys to learn the trade of international rugby from these guys.”
Brits, who won the last of his 10 Test caps at the 2015 World Cup, attended the first Test against England at Ellis Park as a fan but with Bongi Mbonambi doubtful for Saturday’s second Test with a neck injury, he could come straight into contention and could end up going head to head with former club-mate Jamie George.
South Africa had intended to bring in Montpellier hooker Bismarck du Plessis but he and Frans Steyn are remaining in France. Erasmus put their absence down to unspecified niggles but the suspicion is they have been leaned on by their Top14 paymasters.
England also called up an extra hooker yesterday with Worcester’s Jack Singleton, 22, arriving as cover for Luke Cowan-Dickie, who has a hamstring strain. Singleton is yet to win his first Test cap but did play for England against the Barbarians last month.
Singleton joined up last night with a squad still licking its wounds from the latest reverse in Johannesburg during which they conceded five tries – the most in a Test since Eddie Jones took over. Defence coach Paul Gustard departs for Harlequins after the tour and has faced accusations from exEngland coach Clive Woodward his mind is not fully on the job.
“I was focused on winning this series 3-0. That hasn’t happened but we can win 2-1. My attention and my energy is on that and I will give everything I’ve have got to do the best I can and prepare the team the best I can,” he said. “We’re disappointed. We didn’t defend well but we’ll look to put it right this week.” Taking time out mid-series to cuddle cobras might seem odd but, given the stress levels inside the camp, such a diversion was welcome. “We had a reptile show and a barbecue so the boys were able to not think about rugby for a period of time,” said Gustard. One way or another, England have to stick tight. From the outside it looks like the team, who not so long ago were talking about toppling New Zealand as the world’s premier side, are on the brink of unravelling. “A lot of people will say all this stuff about wanting to be world No1 is rubbish,” said No8 Billy Vunipola. “But we just have to stick to our guns and follow the boss Eddie and we will get there.”