Paul de Villiers is among a crop of emerging players determined to make an impact when the Springboks face the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday. The 23-year-old former Junior Springbok captain is set to feature from the replacements' bench at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
After a standout season for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship, De Villiers has earned his opportunity at senior level. The loose forward finished the URC campaign with 19 turnovers won, one fewer than competition leader Jeandre Rudolph of the Bulls.
De Villiers said his time with the Bok squad has proved invaluable. "We've got outstanding players in the Bok squad who I can learn from," he said. "We've also got players who are keen to share advice and knowledge with the newer guys. For me it's the perfect scenario. We've got good coaches, good players and a great environment for learning."
The match against the Barbarians signals the start of the international season in South Africa. The Springboks departed for Gqeberha on Wednesday afternoon and will complete their on-field preparations at Friday's captain's run. Kick-off is scheduled for 15h00, with the SA 'A' fixture against Zimbabwe preceding it at 12h00.
Centre Andre Esterhuizen, who will partner Jesse Kriel in midfield, said the Springboks are treating the encounter as a Test match. "It is a Barbarians match and people think it will be a loose game, but the important thing for us is to stick to our processes as we do in every other game," the 32-year-old said.