AUDIO: 'What a Story' - Stick praises Bok's spirit of resilience
It’s the tale of overcoming adversity and the challenges faced by various individuals that makes the Springboks such a great team, according to assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.
Having won two consecutive World Cup titles (2019 and 2023) and becoming the most successful side in history with four in total (1995 and 2007), the Springboks’ success transcends racial and economic lines.
Under the guidance of Rassie Erasmus, the team has become a dominant force in rugby and is currently at the pinnacle of the sport.
A feature that has a lot to do with the determination and hardships that players face off the field, Stick stated.
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One player who certainly had to overcome one of the hardest periods of his life is Lood de Jager.
After being part of the successful 2019 squad, the lock struggled with health issues that almost derailed his career in 2023.
Before the Springboks’ World Cup squad was announced two years ago, De Jager was diagnosed with pericarditis – an inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, two-layered, fluid-filled sac that covers the outer surface of the heart.
The star also picked up a shoulder injury that kept him out for nine months.
Consequently, he missed the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 season.
But after a two-year absence, the lock will resume his Springbok career as he partners with Jean Kleyn in the second row for the exhibition match against the Barbarians.
“What a gentleman and what a story,” Stick said when asked about the return of the 66-Test cap lock.
“We’ve seen that he has been through tough times when it comes to injuries.
“But I can say those challenges that he had made him a better human being and a better rugby player. He is probably in the best shape and one of the best when it comes to fitness.
“We analysed and followed him while he played for his team [Wild Knights] in Japan, and he is one of the best seasoned campaigners there.
“So I’m excited and looking forward to seeing him.”
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Stick also highlighted uncapped players Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Vincent Tshituka’s personal triumphs.
“You look at guys like Asenathi, who is getting an opportunity. A lot of people thought he was too overweight to play the game.
“But if you look at the last six months – what he has been able to achieve, losing 18kg – it’s remarkable.
“And then there is Vincent Tshituka. A lot of people don’t understand: Vincent joined our squad in 2018, attending alignment camps in Vanderbijlpark, just outside Johannesburg.
“He was one of the players who was always on our radar, but unfortunately, because of other reasons, he couldn’t play for the team.
“Now, seven years later, he finally gets an opportunity to represent South Africa.
“It’s always nice to see players overcoming all the challenges they face.
“We’re always going to face challenges between the four lines, but when it comes to our real-life stories, I think that is where the players always find a way out – and I think that’s what makes us such a stronger and better team.”
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