Brüssow urges South Africa to unleash De Villiers on All Blacks

Former Springbok breakdown specialist Heinrich Brüssow believes Rassie Erasmus should give Paul de Villiers a starting opportunity against the All Blacks. The 23-year-old Stormers loose forward has taken his chances at international level this season after injuries to Siya Kolisi and Kwagga Smith opened space in South Africa’s squad.

Brüssow sees De Villiers as a specialist capable of changing matches at the breakdown. He believes the player’s approach to loose balls makes him particularly valuable under the current laws, which have increased the importance of disrupting opposition possession after the tackle.

The former Springbok openside also pointed to qualities beyond De Villiers’ work over the ball. He considers the youngster a strong carrier, a quick player and an effective support runner, giving South Africa another option in open play rather than limiting him to defensive breakdown duties.

Brüssow’s view is that the All Blacks provide the right level of challenge for De Villiers at this stage of his development. The player has already shown enough at international level, he believes, and his attitude suggests he is ready for a larger role in the rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand.

The recommendation also carries a longer-term argument. Brüssow believes giving De Villiers as many Tests as possible against the All Blacks, with the next World Cup in mind, could accelerate his growth into one of the world’s leading ball thieves. He sees the Stormers player as having a particularly high ceiling.

De Villiers’ emergence has come while South Africa manage injuries affecting two established loose forwards. His breakdown ability, carrying strength, pace and support work have now placed him in the discussion for a bigger role when the Springboks face New Zealand.