Mzwandile Stick, the assistant coach for the Springboks, recently emphasized the crucial role of Paul de Villiers in their upcoming face-off with the All Blacks at Ellis Park. The young flanker, only 23, is set to start his fourth Test, filling the significant void left by the unselected Siya Kolisi.
Despite Kolisi's presence at training, the decision to start de Villiers was strategic, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. “Not having Siya – we know he’s our captain, we know he’s our leader – will always be a big loss for us,” Stick acknowledged. His confidence in de Villiers is palpable and comes from prior exposure to top-level competition.
“We didn’t know Siya was not going to be ready for this game, but the trust that we’ve shown in Paul de Villiers from the beginning, against big teams, gave him an opportunity and now everyone is talking about him.”
Stick praises de Villiers for his maturity and understanding of his role, which are beyond his years. “One thing that I enjoy about him is the maturity at that age. He understands his role very well in the team and, like we always say, irrespective of your age, if you take full ownership of what needs to be done in the team, you are also a leader and a senior in your space.”
Discussing the forthcoming game, Stick noted the challenges of playing against the All Blacks, known for their intense, high-tempo play. “The opportunity that he’s getting – I know it’s different, it’s a different beast. Playing against the All Blacks is probably one of the toughest games you can ever play in your career. But I think he’s the right person. He’s a warrior, he doesn’t stand back for anyone, and that’s what you need for this game.”
The selection process for the Boks has been intensive, with Stick explaining the need for a robust debate among the coaching staff to finalize the match 23. “It’s always a tough challenge to select a match 23, week in, week out. We always look at the challenge first. For us, we had to make sure that we select the best possible team for us to perform on the weekend,” he said, underscoring the fluidity of team selection based on the specific challenges of each game.
Beyond starting selections, Stick highlighted the importance of a strong bench to counter the All Blacks' infamous late-game surges. The energy from younger players is crucial. “There were days where, after 60 minutes, they used to lift the tempo up. But now we’ve also got some of the youngsters on the bench who have a lot of energy. You’ve seen what Zach [Porthen] can do off the bench. You’ve seen what Jan-Hendrik [Wessels] can do off the bench.”
This weekend's game marks a critical test for the Springboks as they continue to integrate young talents like de Villiers, aiming for a full 80-minute performance against one of rugby’s greatest challenges. The blend of experience and youthful vigor is poised to make this match a memorable one in the storied rivalry.
