Mohoje's merited privilege
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Teboho Mohoje considers his chance to start against the Wallabies at Newlands a privilege, but he says it is one he has earned.
His rapid rise from Varsity Cup to Springbok starting blindside flank in one season has led to speculation that he had been fast-tracked because of the colour of his skin.
Unfortunately this has taken the focus away from his qualities as a player somewhat, and he found himself having to try and justify his place in the side under the inevitable media spotlight ahead of the biggest game of his life.
"I was selected here on merit, the coach told me that I am here on merit so the quota thing I don't really have much to say about that.
"I think the main point is not to read too much into it, because if you do then it will affect you," he said.
Some saw the fact that Juan Smith and Marcell Coetzee were preferred to start in the No.7 jersey on tour as a sign that Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer did not trust Mohoje, but he says he learned a lot in what was his first overseas tour and always knew exactly where he stood with Meyer.
"With coach Heyneke I always knew where I stood, we always had one-on-ones during the week and he told me what I need to work on.
"He said that soon I would be getting my start, if not a start but soon I will earn my place on the bench, that is what he said and here is the time now so he has given me a chance.
"You just need to keep learning as much as you can, and in this time I was out I really learned a lot.
"It is a big opportunity, it is a privilege to be here and every chance you get you have to use it because you never know when your last time is," he said.
Meyer has compared Mohoje to Willem Alberts due to his big frame, strong ball-carrying ability and line-out skills, and the flank who has also played lock for the Cheetahs knows that he needs to make the most of this opportunity with the loose forward depth on offer in South Africa.
"Willem Alberts, it is definitely big shoes to fill, he is an outstanding player. I play my own game and he plays his so I just want to go out there and play my game and enjoy it.
"There are so many good players in South Africa who want this opportunity off the bench, but I was lucky enough to get a start so it is something new and hopefully it is my first of many," he said.
The Cheetahs flank is looking forward to playing alongside Marcell Coetzee and Duane Vermeulen who will be tasked with taking on Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper at the breakdown.
"Duane and Marcell have taken me under their wing, they are fairly experienced players. Duane is one of the senior players here and he has also taught me quite a bit so I can't wait to play with those guys because I know we will make a good combination.
"I enjoy ball-carrying a lot, and I enjoy my line-outs a lot and on defence as well I have got something to give," he added.
Every professional rugby player wants to prove that they can handle the pressure of playing at the highest level and Mohoje is no different.
Unfortunately for him there is some baggage attached to how he performs against the Wallabies at Newlands on Saturday and the extra challenge he faces is to turn the focus onto his attributes as a Test player.
By Michael de Vries
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