AUDIO: Australia felt like home says Bok lock
AUDIO: Playing in Australia feels a bit like playing at home, says Springbok replacement lock Salmaan Moerat.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus had to make last-minute changes to the side that faced Australia in Brisbane on Saturday after both RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje had to withdraw due to injury.
Moerat, who captained the side against Portugal last month, was named on the bench as Nortje was struggling with a knee niggle.
Snyman missed South Africa’s 33-7 win over Australia on Saturday due to a foot injury.
His absence saw utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit cover the lock position with Ben-Jason Dixon starting at flank.
Moerat replaced Eben Etzebeth in the 53rd minute of the match.
From the outset, it was evident that the Springboks had huge support with Green and Gold jerseys in abundance among the 52 019 crowd that came out to the Brisbane stadium.
It was the biggest crowd in Brisbane since 52,499 piled in to watch the 2013 British & Irish opener.
Moerat said it was very special linking up with South Africans in the week leading up to the Test.
“It feels a bit like playing at home.
“There are quite a few South Africans in the city and it was nice to interact with them during the week,” Moerat said after the game.
“It was great having them in the crowd.
“I thought we made them proud.”
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The towering lock said it was a very special evening for him after getting the call to replace Nortje.
“It was an unfortunate injury to RG and Ruan as well. I got the call at the last minute but grateful for the opportunity.
“It is always special to represent your country no matter what.
“It takes a proper team effort to get a result like that,” he said.
“I thought each and every one came to the party and defensively we were really up there.
“It was a very special evening for us.
“We did most things that we spoke about during the week.”
Looking ahead to the second Test in the Rugby Championship against Australia in Perth, Moerat said it was back to the drawing board.
“It is a special evening for us and we will enjoy it, but then another one next week in Perth.
“But back to the drawing board.
“Australia is a well-coached side.
“Their coach Joe Schmidt has brought in a whole new dimension to the squad.
“It should be another spectacle next week.”
