VIDEO: 'You've got to pay attention': Eben's status speaks volumes
SPOTLIGHT: Jean Kleyn is relishing every moment in the Bok camp and learning from Eben Etzebeth again as he prepares for his first Test appearance since last year’s World Cup Final.
Kleyn, who was called up to the squad as a replacement for Ruan Nortje ahead of the first November tour match against Scotland in Edinburgh, will start in the No.4 position against Wales in Cardiff with Etzebeth playing a role off the bench.
It has been a long road back for Kleyn. The 31-year-old suffered an eye injury in November last year while playing for Munster and he only made his return to the playing field in September.
“It’s amazing to be back. I think I was injured for 10 months,” Kleyn told @rugby365com.
“It was slow getting back into it. It took me a few games and I am glad to have the opportunity to be back with the boys and see everyone again.
“It feels like yesterday. It’s good.”
The story continues below…
Kleyn is particularly pleased to be working with Etzebeth again.
“You’ve got to pay attention. The guy is doing something right,” said Kleyn.
“He is probably the most dominant tighthead lock in the last decade, so you’ve got to learn from guys like him when you get the opportunity to be near them.
“It’s good to have a guy like that playing above you.”
The story continues below…
Etzebeth is one of three Boks nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award, which will be announced this coming Sunday.
Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit are the other two nominees and Kleyn is confident of a victory for South Africa.
“Cheslin is probably the best all-round rugby player in the world,” Kleyn added.
“Then you have a guy like Pieter-Steph who is an absolute freak on the field.
“Eben is by far the most dominant tighthead lock to have played the game in the last 10 or 15 years.
“It’s going to be fantastic and hopefully we win it. I am sure we will.
“It’s good for the boys to get recognition for their hard work.”
@rugby365com
