Paul de Villiers says being drafted into the Springbok 23 just hours before kick-off against England may have worked in his favour, leaving little time for anxiety to build ahead of what became a 45-21 victory at Ellis Park.
The loose forward replaced the withdrawn Siya Kolisi on matchday and says the Springboks' preparation environment meant he was not caught off guard. "They do prepare us for this because it does happen, so I was ready for it. Maybe not as much as being in the match 23 all week, but I had enough time to get my head around it and settle down."
Kolisi's absence could have added pressure, but De Villiers says the captain was among those who helped settle him. "They are massive shoes to fill. Siya helped me a lot. He made me feel a bit calmer, but the whole squad backs you and makes you comfortable. They had my back at every turn."
On the step up from URC level, De Villiers acknowledged the pace and breakdown intensity were a clear cut above, while crediting the Barbarians match with giving him a reference point. "The breakdown speed and the decision-making have to be quick. I got pinned in the ruck the one time, so there are things I can work on and do better."
The emotional weight of the occasion landed as the squad pulled up to Ellis Park. "It was what I dreamt of and more. The closer we came to Ellis Park and saw the people and what it means to them — I'm getting goosebumps now just thinking about it." His family were in the stands to witness the debut.