He’s got game, but first Papier over the cracks
● There was frustration, but crucially, no anger.
Embrose Papier knew exactly where he stood, or in this case sat, waiting for more playing time as the Springboks went about their roller-coaster season.
The scrumhalf who was elevated to Super Rugby and Test status this season has yet to fully establish himself in either sphere. That he possesses the natural gifts to be a match-altering scrumhalf is beyond doubt. First, though, he has to refine some of his skills and trickery, and perhaps more importantly, learn when to unleash them.
“I think it would be a frustration for any player if you’re not getting a lot of opportunity to play,” Papier said.
On the sidelines, but in the loop
That frustration manifested itself at the Springboks where he played in four of the 10 Tests and at the Bulls where he started three matches and came off the bench in seven in Super Rugby.
He accumulated just 21 minutes of Test rugby this season but was always fully aware of where he fitted into Rassie Erasmus’s strategy as the coach builds to next year’s Rugby World Cup.
“I was told this is a learning process. I knew what the plan was with me. Coach Rassie spoke to me. It wasn’t as if I just had to be there. I knew what I was going to do and what my role is.
“I learnt to take ownership of my calls and how to communicate. I was in Stellenbosch for two to three weeks before the Championship, which helped in terms of my fitness and refining stuff like my box kicks. That helped me and I think I will take that with me for the rest of my life. Not that I can’t continue working on those things.
“I also learnt so much from coach John (Mitchell) and coach Pote (Human) at the Bulls.”
Picking up and picked up by Faf
He also learnt a lot from the dynamic Faf de Klerk, the man in whose shadow he operated. “He motivated me when I felt down at not getting that much chance to play. If I get a chance I’ll grab it with both hands.”
At some point though he will need to put into practice what he has learnt over the last year.
Papier is like a coiled spring. “It feels like I didn’t play a lot,” he said. “However, I feel satisfied with what I did when I had opportunities. I can still work a lot on little things. When I get a chance I must just show that I’m ready to take the opportunity. Things happened quickly but I tried to absorb as much as possible. It’s been a great season.”
The 21-year-old said his transition to the Test ranks had been seamless. “I had a few Bulls’ mates who are also Springboks. For a young player it is your dream to play for the Springboks and it happened so quickly for me. It was a huge honour. I was able to draw from senior guys. They made it easy for me to stay rooted. It wasn’t difficult for me.”
Being pigeon-holed as a player who operates best off the bench isn’t something that concerns him just yet. “I played a lot off the bench. I think it made me more mature on and off the field.
“To play off the bench you have to make an impact and bring the energy. I just took it as if I was starting. I just watched from the side and analysed the game before I went on. Where can I improve things.”
For now, he is content to bide his time. “I just figured, I’m still young and went out to every practice and did my best. I think I have to be patient. I think my chance will come. If not now, then one day. In the meantime I just try and learn as much as possible.”