Proudfoot: Kitshoff a phenomenal talent
The 24-year-old prop, who plays for Bordeaux in France, was one of three overseas-based players included in Allister Coetzee's 31-man squad ahead of the three-Test series against Ireland and Proudfoot knows all too well what Kitshoff is capable of.
Kitshoff grew into one the top scrummagers in Super Rugby before he left the Stormers for greener pastures last year. During his rise at the Stormers, Proudfoot was the Cape side's forwards coach. Coetzee was the head coach.
"He has played well in Super Rugby," said Proudfoot at a press conference in Stellenbosch on Friday.
"From the start when we [Stormers] had Steven we knew he was a phenomenal talent – a guy at that age who was so well developed and prepared to handle the rigours of senior rugby.
"You know he has the mental capabilities to work with himself. He can be aggressive in the scrum, but very accurate as well – that is a very strong characteristic you look for in props. A lot of props struggle to get the balance right."
"Steven will be around for a long time and I know what he can deliver."
Coetzee believes Kitshoff would have had a few international caps already if it was not for an injury setback.
"Steven would have been given the opportunity last year," said Coetzee. "He was part of the squad and if it hadn't been for his knee injury he would have probably had a couple of Tests under his belt by now."
The two other overseas-based players in the squad, Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw, will also be important cogs in the Springboks' plans going forward.
There is plenty of experience between the two loose forwards and Proudfoot believes they will be an asset in helping some of the new players in the squad come through.
"Duane [Vermeulen] and Flo [Francois Louw] have a lot of experience and physicality," said Proudfoot.
"I think they have been part of this team for a long time, so they understand what has come before us. They bring a lot of continuity and that is important.
"I'm really looking forward to having those guys back – I have worked with them for a long time."
Kitshoff, Vermeulen and Louw will link up with the squad in Cape Town on Sunday.
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
