Blue Bulls fullback Jaco van der Westhuyzen was the surprise call-up to the Springbok Rugby World Cup squad on Thursday following the withdrawal through injury of Jean de Villiers.
Van der Westhuyzen was not considered one of the viable options, with many pundits preferring to plug for one of Deon Kayser or Brent Russell, with young Lions pair Doppies la Grange and Rudi Coetzee long shots.
There is no denying, however, Van der Westhuyzen’s ability and in a roundabout way, injuries to two fellow Springboks have given him a place in the squad he probably deserved from the beginning anyway.
De Villiers, who came in for Gcobani Bobo after he injured his knee, had his World Cup dreams shattered on Tuesday night when he received a crunching two-man tackle from Riaan Heter and Jan Cloete in the Springboks’ practice match against the Falcons. The WP centre will be out for six months with a shoulder injury.
In a cruel twist of fate, the gifted De Villiers became the second Bok casualty, ironically only days after receiving a World Cup lifeline from coach Rudolf Straeuli.
Straeuli confirmed Van der Westhuyzen’s inclusion on Thursday morning after consultation with the national selectors and team management on Wednesday.
”Jaco has been part of the Springbok training group throughout the season and narrowly missed inclusion in the World Cup squad of 30 at the end of August. He is therefore familiar with the squad set up and should settle in quickly,” said Straeuli.
”We considered the option of calling in a specialist centre but opted for a player that brings versatility in that he can cover fullback and flyhalf and also offer another kicking option.
”We have two specialist centres in De Wet Barry and Jorrie Muller, while Werner Greeff and Jaque Fourie are both also able to play there, which gives us adequate cover in the midfield,” Straeuli said.
Van der Westhuyzen is expected to join up with the squad in Durban on Thursday and will be vying for the number on fullback berth with the Sharks’ Ricardo Loubscher and Western Province’s Greeff.
Van der Westhuyzen is widely acknowledged is one of the most exciting talents to have emerged in South African rugby in recent years and was extremely unlucky not to make the original 30-man squad.
The utility player, who has performed with aplomb in both the fullback and flyhalf positions, has brilliant vision and silky skills which, combined with his more than decent kicking boot, resulted in him earning two Test caps for the Springboks in 2000.
He made his debut in the Tri-Nations against New Zealand, but a debilitating knee injury ruled him out of action for six months, effectively forcing him to start his green-and-gold quest all over again.
He forced his way into the Springbok set-up this season with several awesome displays for the Bulls in the Super 12. The Bulls ended the Super 12 as South Africa’s best franchise and it was in no small measure to Van der Westhuyzen.
He started his career with Natal, but the host of talented flyhalves in Durban resulted in him moving to the Pumas. After a successful season under the expert eye of former Bok great Danie Gerber, Van der Westhuyzen moved on to the Blue Bulls and helped them win the Vodacom Cup in 2001.
He was part of the successful South African under-21 squad that won the Sanzar title in Argentina in 2000, and was also a regular member of the national under-23 team. — Sapa