Brent Russell, the Springboks’ favourite weapon of mass destruction, will be unleashed on the All Blacks for the full 80 minutes of the crunch Vodacom Tri-Nations match at Loftus in Pretoria on Saturday.
Following his inspired display — coming off the bench early on — against the World Champion Wallabies in the opening Tri-Nations match, the 1,74m, 80kg utility back was included in the Bok run-on side.
Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli on Thursday confirmed that the pocket-rocket would start at fullback in place of injured Bulls No 15 Jaco van der Westhuyzen. Russell has silenced those critics who claimed he was too small for professional rugby, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in the game and will play a vital role if the Springboks are to maintain their unbeaten record this season.
”I’m looking forward to it,” said Russell, ”whether I start or come off the bench it doesn’t matter as long as I’m involved, I’m happy.”
Against Australia, Russell was used at flyhalf for a few of the moves and is likely to mix it up a bit against the New Zealanders as well, although the All Blacks are unlikely to afford the Sharks speedster the same amount of time and space he had at Newlands.
”There isn’t really a difference in mindset (between starting a Test and coming off the bench). As an impact player when I come on I just play what I see in front of me and when I start I just do the same,” he said nonchalantly.
Despite his inevitable call up to the starting team, Russell was supportive of the man he has replaced.
”It’s a pity that Jaco has gone down,” said the Port Elizabeth-born speedster. ”We have been supporting each other quite well lately and he is a quality player and I do hope he gets well soon.”
The dynamic Russell is one of three changes to the starting XV that beat Australia 26-22 in Cape Town a week ago, although he played all but three minutes of that absorbing encounter. All three changes are enforced because of injury.
Veteran midfielder Andre Snyman is recalled for the injured Marius Joubert (shoulder) and Cats outside back Ashwin Willemse is included at left wing after Thinus Delport withdrew because of a hamstring strain.
Importantly, the pack remains unchanged for the first time this season, with No 8 Juan Smith and flank Wikus van Heerden afforded another chance to establish themselves with the likes of Bob Skinstad and Joe van Niekerk still on the mend.
”In an ideal world there would not have been any changes to last weekend’s team. Injuries, however, are something over which I have no control. I am disappointed for those who miss out because of injury but the emphasis now shifts to those who have come in,” said Straeuli.
”Saturday provides Brent, Andre and Ashwin with a great opportunity and the challenge for each of them is to make the maximum use of their chance,” said Straeuli.
Snyman, South Africa’s most capped Test centre with 35 appearances, last played against Scotland in Durban while Willemse played both Tests against Scotland before injuring his ankle at training ahead of the Argentina Test.
Russell, who was not considered for the first Test of the season because of a shoulder injury, starts for the first time this season.
Springbok team to play New Zealand at Loftus:
15 Brent Russell, 14 Stefan Terblanche, 13 Andre Snyman, 12 De Wet Barry, 11 Ashwin Willemse, 10 Louis Koen, 9 Joost van der Westhuizen; 8 Juan Smith, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Corne Krige (captain), 5 Bakkies Botha, 4 Victor Matfield, 3 Richard Bands, 2 Danie Coetzee, 1 Lawrence Sephaka.
The substitutes will be finalised on Friday morning. – Sapa