News

Brits hits back at Sharpe

Wednesday 16th July 2008

Brits: Ready to stretch his legs in Perth

Springbok hooker Schalk Brits has hit back at Wallabies lock Nathan Sharpe for his comments against the South African rookie, saying the absence of John Smit and Bismarck du Plessis could work in Australia's favour come line-out time in Perth on Saturday.

Brits, who made his Bok debut last month against Italy in Cape Town, was originally left at home for the away leg of the Tri-Nations, but now - in a simple twist of fate - finds himself in the starting line-up to take on the men in gold.

The 27-year-old Brits was called up to the Springbok side after team captain John Smit was ruled out of the rest of the Tri-Nations with a groin injury picked up when dumped by All Black lock Brad Thorn in Wellington two weeks ago.

Delighted to be sitting on the bench against New Zealand in Dunedin, Brits' rising fortunes hit the jackpot when Smit's back-up Bismarck du Plessis got handed a three-week ban for coming into "contact with the eyes or eye area" of All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson.

In the space of two weeks, Brits has gone from being South Africa's third-ranked hooker to number one in the Springbok pecking order.

The Stormers star is known for his athleticism on the pitch, but now has a chance to silence his critics and Sharpe with his work in the set-pieces.

Sharpe, who returns to the Wallabies after being sidelined against France with injury, said South Africa's line-out would lack some combination with their throw-ins and was an area that the Wallaby jumpers would target.

While the Springboks will no doubt miss a player of Smit's leadership or Du Plessis' strength, it was a comment which didn't go down well with Brits in Perth on Wednesday.

"He can say what he likes," said Brits.

"The question is whether he can do the same sort of talking on the field."

Brits, the third hooker to start for the Springboks in three Test matches, won't permit any psychological warfare to affect his game.

"I'll simply do my talking on the field," he added.

Brits realises, nevertheless, that his throwing will be tested at the Subiaco Oval. The Springboks dominated the line-outs during last week's Tri-Nations historic win against New Zealand, but the All Blacks had a weakness in that department.

Following Ali Williams' early exit in Dunedin, the All Blacks were left with two newcomers in the form of Anthony Boric and Kevin O'Neil who shared just three Test caps between them against the likes of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha (who boast 122 caps between them).

With Sharpe and the in-form James Horwill set to take the field on Saturday, Australia will boast more experience than their Kiwi counterparts in the line-out area.

"I must say the Aussies are pretty good in the line-out and it's going to be tough on Saturday," said Brits.

"But having lock forwards such as Andries Bekker, Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha around makes my job easier.

"I'm looking forward to the weekend. I don't know whether I have ever looked forward to any match so much."

Meanwhile, after carrying the tackle bags for the past two weeks, it's expected that Pierre Spies and Ryan Kankowski may both be included to play against the Wallabies with the latter more than likely to take his place on the bench.

Spies is set to take over at number eight from Joe van Niekerk and Kankowski could displace Luke Watson as an impact player.

Kankowski suffered concussion against Italy in Cape Town before jetting off to Australasia. Once recovered, South Africa coach Peter de Villiers overlooked both Kankowski and Spies for Van Niekerk who made a remarkable, and somewhat surprising return to Test rugby.

Van Niekerk has not let his side down, but even All Blacks captain Richie McCaw expressed his surprise that Kankowski took no part in either one of the two Tri-Nations games played in New Zealand.

Watson was on the bench in Wellington and Dunedin against the All Blacks and had little effect when given a run in the closing stages of both matches.

De Villiers could have five forwards among his seven substitutes this week, giving him the option of two prop forwards and two loose forwards on the bench.

"It's a very good suggestion. Maybe we'll consider it," De Villiers said sarcastically when he was asked about the possibility on Tuesday.

"I'll discuss it with (captain) Victor Matfield and the assistant coaches."