Massive Shoes to fill - Paul de Villiers

The Springboks got their inaugural Nations Championship campaign off to a flying start with a 45-21 win over England on Saturday at Ellis Park Stadium. 

While Damian Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe celebrated their 50th Test caps with a victory, former Junior Springboks captain Paul de Villiers also had plenty reason to celebrate after making his Test debut.

“It’s massive shoes to fill, but the way the team stuck together actually helped me a lot. They really looked after me and looked after each other so it helped me just settle in a bit easier. They had my back everytime,” said de Villiers

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The 23-year-old revealed that he had a conversation with Kolisi before the match, which helped calm his nerves. 

“I had a conversation with Siya, he helped me a lot. He made me feel a bit calm but like I said the whole squad and the way they actually back you and make you feel comfortable is awesome.”

Reflecting on his debut de Villiers said wearing the Springbok jersey against England was a special moment.

“I mean England is not a bad team. So to be trusted to pull the jersey over my head is very special. I kind of focused on contributing to the team in whichever way, but there’s still a lot of stuff that we could’ve done better but we will hopefully fix it in the week. 

De Villiers, who made his test debut playing alongside Cameron Hanekom who slotted in at blindside flanker, said the pair have come a long way since their Junior Springbok days and added that the intensity of training in the Springbok camp prepared them well...

“I think myself and Cammy have come a long way. We actually played together when we were a bit younger at the Junior Boks, but I mean we attended two alignment camps. 

 “We spent two or three weeks here at training. I mean the standard of training is almost the same as test level.”