'It was challenging': Goosen opens up on his mental state
SPOTLIGHT: Utility back Johan Goosen believes he is in the right mindset to fight for a spot in the Springbok team.
Goosen will start in the No.10 jersey for South Africa ‘A’ against Munster in Cork on Thursday.
He will form a halfback combination with Herschel Jantjies in a team that features 14 capped Springboks.
After an 11-month injury layoff, Goosen featured in a few matches for the Bulls in the opening rounds of this season’s United Rugby Championship and now he is ready to prove his worth to the Springbok coaches.
“I was out for the last 11 or 12 months with a knee injury and it was challenging for me both mentally and physically,” said Goosen.
“But mentally I’m now in a good place and my mindset is right.
“I have a passion for the Springboks and playing for the team, but I also understand that things are not necessarily going to come right in one game.
“That said I’m very happy to be here, and that is the most important thing to me.”
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#ICYMI: South Africa ‘A’ coach Mzwandile Stick had some explaining to do after he revealed his team to face Munster on Thursday. 👇#SouthAfrica #Springboks #Munster https://t.co/VPMnqtmsUV
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 8, 2022
Despite not being in the main Springbok group who are preparing to face France, Goosen is still proud to represent South Africa on a rugby field and he will be looking to give his all against Munster.
“It doesn’t matter in what form of green and gold one plays in,” said Goosen, who boasts 13 Test caps, the last of which he won six years ago on 26 November 2016 against Wales in Cardiff.
“It could be the SA Schools team or SA ‘A’ team, it’s always an honour to play for this badge. Hopefully, we have a good game on Thursday and make the country proud.”
On that clash against Munster, Goosen believes his team has the potential to light up Cork
“There was a lot of travel to get here, but I’m excited to play with this bunch of guys.
“This is a great opportunity for the players. They are a great group, and they are very talented.
“It’s going to be a big match against Munster, and the first 20 minutes will be tight, so it will be important to stay in the fight, and hopefully we’ll be able to see the young players express themselves.
“The Bulls played against them a few weeks ago in the United Rugby Championship, so some of us have had a taste of what to expect from them in this match.”
Additional source: @Springboks
#ICYMI: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids is confident that he has world-class replacements for lock Lodewyk de Jager. 👇#SouthAfrica #Springboks #France #FRAvRSA https://t.co/fW7WtLxFVT
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 8, 2022
