Ruben van Heerden is embracing the build-up to his Test debut with characteristic composure, describing the experience as "a whirlwind of a ride" since receiving the call-up to face Wales at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday.
The lock is one of four debutants in the Springbok match-23, alongside flyhalf Vusi Moyo, prop Carlu Sadie and wing Jaco Williams. Van Heerden says that shared experience provides its own comfort.
"You know you're not the only one, which is comforting. When I'm on the field on Saturday, and I look around me and see someone in the same position as I'm in, and at the same time get to draw inspiration from guys who have been there and done it, it makes it an occasion to look forward to."
Van Heerden came through the SA U18 and Junior Springbok programmes between 2015 and 2017, and had a recent run-out for SA 'A' against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha before earning his senior call-up. He says the Test cap has always been a goal rather than a distant dream.
"It has probably always been more of a goal. As Malcolm Marx said, it's a big privilege, so it's a matter of trying to do your best and control the controllables."
Saturday's match — the Springboks' final home fixture in the inaugural Nations Championship — kicks off at 17h40 and is broadcast live on SuperSport. The squad has a captains' run on Friday after a rest day on Thursday.