Bok door not closed for JJ
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Although Jesse Kriel is playing at outside centre on Saturday, JJ Engelbrecht says the Springbok door has not been closed on him.
Kriel is not the first player that Bok coach Heyneke Meyer has shifted to outside centre, having done the same with Engelbrecht who started his career as a wing, as well as the likes of JP Pietersen, Damian de Allende, Jean de Villiers and Jan Serfontein who have also played in the No.13 jersey since Meyer took charge.
Although Kriel played at outside centre for the Junior Boks last year he played at fullback for the Bulls in Super Rugby this year, with Engelbrecht starting regularly in midfield.
Engelbrecht last played for the Springboks against Scotland at Murrayfield in 2013, and will line up against them for the World XV at Newlands this weekend, although he says that he will not be out to prove anything.
"I had the whole of Super Rugby to prove myself, this week is an exciting opportunity to go up against the Springboks and I hope it goes well.
"It was disappointing not to make the Bok squad, but you have to put on another hat and I am seeing this as just another game," he said.
He explained that he is in regular contact with Meyer who has told him that he is still being considered for Springbok selection.
"The coach told me that the door is not closed for me, and you never know what his plans are.
"I have got a good relationship with coach Heyneke, I know where I stand and we chat often enough," he said.
Engelbrecht said that while it will be strange lining up against the Boks, he is hoping to be able to go out and express himself.
"You never go onto the field with the idea of losing and it will be tough against the Boks and naturally we will go out to win the game.
"It is tough because obviously you don't have all the structures or time to prepare, you just have to get as close as possible as a group and get to know all the guys.
"We have got a couple of training sessions so we will work on one or two things and we will just try and play the space and the opportunities.
"I am just looking to go out there and really have fun and enjoy myself, obviously we don't have much time to prepare as a team so there is not much structure so it will be nice to go out there and play without much pressure and the way you want to play," he added.
By Michael de Vries
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