TEXT Maniacs
ENGLAND have been warned to stop Faf de Klerk becoming South Africa’s World Cup hair-o.
The scrum-half may be only 5ft 7in but his swashbuckling style and flowing locks make him the Boks stand-out player.
Close pal and Sale Sharks team-mate Jono Ross said: “He is very proud of the hair. He has more hair products than my wife!”
De Klerk was man of the match in the quarter-final against Japan and not far behind Handre Pollard against Wales in the semi. He has been one of the players of the tournament and Ross says there is plenty in his game that England should be wary of. “He is the heartbeat of everything we do both here at Sale and with the Springboks, and he is probably the bravest rugby player I have ever seen,” said Ross.
“He is executing a game plan and is probably the best scrum-half operating in the world at the moment, or one of them. “What makes him special for me, though, is that pound for pound he is probably the toughest rugby player I have ever seen.
“The hits he puts in week in, week out defensively are incredible. “He is lightning around the park and for a little guy he is brave. I take my hat off to him.”
It will be no consolation to England that De Klerk had to move to Manchester and the English Premiership after dropping out of the reckoning for the Springboks in late 2016. Yet those close to him say he would not be the player he is today had he not been given the freedom and responsibility to play as he wanted to by Sale last season.
He was one of five World Player of the Year nominees in 2018, losing out to Jonny Sexton. And he was so pivotal for Sale that South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus could not ignore him any longer.
De Klerk returned in the series win against England in June 2018 and has been ever-present since.
There are flashy parts to his game beyond the gold locks, including his trademark Harlem Globetrotter ball spin when waiting to put in at the scrum, but there is no doubting the grit underneath.
His grinning confrontation with 6ft 6in Wales lock Jake Ball on Sunday was a classic. But if that was the panto, witness the hit to stop a flying George North.
It is the sort of tackle Sale fans see on a regular basis according to Ross (inset).
“I can remember so many moments when he has shown how tough he is,” said his club captain.
“He took a huge bang against the head when him and Danny Cipriani and Dan Robson collided (against Wasps) two seasons ago.
“They both went off on stretchers while Faf just got up with a black eye and carried on.”
His hair will make him easy to spot. But keeping tabs on him will not be as easy. person you want to follow.
“He’s been a leader since I first knew him aged 14. Back then it was probably a lot more shouting because of frustration but he has developed a huge amount.
“He has got a lot calmer. He talks a lot about being in control of your emotions and has developed a leadership style now that is his own. And it is pretty impressive.”
Tomorrow evening, Farrell, 28, will finalise the squad’s pre-match preparations with his players-only ‘Captain’s Meeting’
George (above) added: “He asks how we’re feeling and if anyone has anything to say. Often people will get something off their chest.
“Then he says his bit and without fail you can hear a pin drop. Everyone is hanging on every word he says.
“It’s inspirational without tearing the roof down.” ENGLAND were yesterday fined £2,000 for crossing the halfway line as they stood down the Haka.
That is despite tournament chiefs billing the V-shaped formation “incredible” on a video post which attracted more than four million YouTube views and another 1.2m on Twitter.
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So hearing that Granit Xhaka ha been offered counselling. What a baby. I’d kick him through the door at a moments notice, he’s pathetic. The Salford rocket
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I so wanted those New Zealand rugby boyz to beat England. I always support whoever opposes England. Especially my beloved Wales. carpark jeff lfc
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Re clive sweeney mufc. So it’s ok for Man United to have a diver in their team is it? Pity NOT they MISSED THEM BOTH. efc 1878
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Most people don’t want VAR. I think we should have a refereeendum! Anon
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So we have tried var it obviously does not work so lets get rid of it and give us our beautiful game back. red raymond
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Another defeat for Watford at Everton. Out of the Carabao Cup and bottom of the Premier League. Happy Hatter
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No wonder Utd aren’t doing well the discipline must be of low standards going by the state of their players getting off the coach. Reg
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Yet again Spurs and West Ham didn’t win last weekend. They move but never groove they are both overrated and rubbish. I know the lemons who supports both think they are godgift but reality says different. I did ask ages ago how much have Spurs and whu spent since they last won something. Come on lemons. Your turn to reply blob floyd, tony, park lane, bubbles, mile end. CFC1
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can see us going the hole season without losin in the league. I know I said it last year but this time its deffo our year. YNWA. uncle snack
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As the draw showed, the FA Cup means so much to the small clubs. It’s a shame the big boys don’t have the same feeling. Playing fringe players and making wholesale changes. Enjoy it while it lasts. Mal the Claret
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To all you chelsea idiots, Tottenham have been the best London club in the champions league for years now. A least it gives you obsessed Chelski idiots YET another song to sing about your cup final team. Tony of THFC
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The pressure is on Marco Silva and I think he’s on borrowed time. He’s spent millions but the team has not improved. anon