Goosen to emulate Le Roux
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Johan Goosen, who has been called into the Springbok squad as cover for Willie le Roux at fullback, is hoping he can emulate the wily Le Roux.
The former Cheetahs' flyhalf fell somewhat into the international wilderness when he departed for France to play for Racing Metro following a spate of injuries.
Goosen's call up to the Springbok squad was one of the notable surprises, both for the rugby public and for Goosen himself – but his role was defined fairly quickly.
“I was a bit surprised to get the call as I knew the move to France would hurt my chances of being selected for the national squad,” Goosen told MyPlayers.
“I was asked if my passport situation was organised. And when I said yes, I was asked about playing at fullback for the Springboks.
“It is a challenge I’d love to have. I’d play in any position for the team.”
Goosen has featured predominantly at flyhalf for both the Cheetahs and the Springboks but he does have the ability and skills to play fullback – it may just require a change of mind set.
“Life is very different at fullback,” said Goosen.
“At flyhalf, you have to be quick on your feet and make quick decisions. While at fullback, you have more time to calculate the situation in front of you.
"The defence and kicking strategy is also very different, and I will need to work on those departments.
Goosen will most likely be playing behind Le Roux who is the fullback incumbent for the Boks, but he hopes that he can play a similar role to Cheetahs' flyhalf who is a major attacking threat.
“I know Willie very well after playing together for the Boks and Cheetahs. He’ll help me settle in at fullback," Goosen said.
"I’ll also be reviewing his video footage and follow his example.”
MyPlayers
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