Ruben van Heerden has attributed his Stormers move as the catalyst that finally earned him a Springbok call-up, with the 28-year-old lock set to win his first cap against Wales in Durban on Saturday.
Van Heerden is one of four debutants named in Rassie Erasmus' side for the Nations Championship clash, alongside tighthead prop Carlu Sadie, fly-half Vusi Moyo and wing Jaco Williams.
The lock's route to Test rugby has been anything but straightforward. After beginning his professional career at the Bulls in 2016, he spent four seasons at the Sharks before joining Exeter Chiefs. He stayed just one season in the Premiership before moving to the Stormers on an initial short-term deal — a move he now identifies as the turning point.
"The change of scenery in going to Cape Town definitely helped me," van Heerden said. "The trust shown to me by the coaching staff there really helped me get to where I am today."
He established himself as a key figure at the Stormers and extended his stay, but South Africa's depth at lock — one of the most competitive positions in world rugby — kept him waiting. It took an injury-depleted second-row pool to open the door into Erasmus' squad, and van Heerden is acutely aware of the circumstances.
"I always felt I could get there and it has always been my goal. You just try and do your best as you control the controllables, and if it happens for you then it happens. And now it is happening, and I am very grateful."
The wait, he says, has sharpened rather than diminished his appreciation. "I guess because I had to wait so long, it means so much to me. There are seasons when you are disappointed because you think you have played well but the recognition still doesn't come. But that builds character, and I am thankful for those frustrations because they have helped develop me as a player."
Van Heerden will have personal familiarity with the Kings Park venue, having spent four years with the Sharks in Durban. He is set to join Montpellier at the start of next season.