VIDEO: Rookie flank becoming a real threat for PSDT
VIDEO: Ben-Jason Dixon is the new kid on the block, challenging for the jersey belonging to none other than arguably one of the best flanks in the world currently, Pieter-Steph du Toit.
With Du Toit coming back from injury, Dixon was included in the touring party headed to Australasia.
Dixon made his starting debut for the Springboks against Portugal on Saturday and did so in fine style, not only scoring the fourth try, but his stats showed some phenomenal numbers.
Among those are 14 carries, 82 metres made, ten tackles made, three off-loads, and two turnovers won.
There is no doubt that the 26-year-old is the modern-day flank, physical, and athletic, with an incredible work-rate and game awareness.
When Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus announced the Bok side to face Portugal, he was challenged to explain why people should not view the side as a B-team.
Talking specifically about Dixon, the Bok coach said: “Ben-Jason Dixon is not far off from a guy like Pieter-Steph [du Toit] in the way he plays.”
Action Man💪
Ben-Jason Dixon was in sensational form on Saturday 🙌🙌#ForeverGreenForeverGold #Springboks pic.twitter.com/21SMVeQoWQ
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 22, 2024
Dixon celebrated his 50th appearance for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship against the Lions in May this year.
Stormers’ assistant coach Rito Hlungwani had this to say about the flank at the time: “He is a hard worker, and does have all the qualities to become one of the better sevens in the world one day.
“Check out the best blindside flankers who have played for South Africa. You think of Juan Smith… Pieter-Steph du Toit. BJ has those qualities.
“His tackling technique is also some of the best I’ve seen in a long time. In that respect, I think he is the kind of player the Springbok selectors are looking for.
“He is a humble, smart kid with a degree in industrial engineering, while he is playing rugby,” Hlungwane said.
(Article continues below…)
After the Test match against Portugal on Saturday, the friendly flank could not hide his elation for starting his first Test and topping it off with a try.
“That first time I sang the anthem [as a replacement against Wales], it was a big moment for me.
“The second Test had a lot of memorable moments.
“I think it will be difficult to forget.
“I really enjoyed this Test.
“And it was a great experience scoring a try,” the smiling flank said.
Reflecting on the quick start by the Portuguese, Dixon said the Boks realised they were going to be tested, especially out wide and there were some nerves early on.
“When they scored that first try, and I was jogging back, I was really tired. We knew we had to step it up and there was a bit of nerves, but I think we handled it well.
“We had a couple of line-outs after that where we mauled well and the momentum came back our way.
“And I think we handled it very well when we had to play with one player less.”
