Jasper Wiese is hungry for action as the Springbok No 8 prepares to make his first start of the season against the All Blacks at Ellis Park after completing a ban that Rassie Erasmus called “harsh”.
Wiese will start in his first Test of the year when the Springboks resume their rivalry with the All Blacks in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was handed a six-game suspension in May for a dangerous clean-out during his farewell performance for the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.
Unable to count on a good disciplinary record to reduce the ban, Wiese has been on the sidelines for months, but has been involved in training and did tour with the Springboks in the Rugby Championship openers in Australia.
“It was a bit frustrating but I was fortunate enough to stay in the environment with the guys. So it was six games which was three and a half months,” Wiese said.
“I’m just happy to be back and up for selection.
“To be given the opportunity, I know the guys around me do their jobs and I just want to do mine the best that I can.”
Wiese’s previous Test appearance saw him get the all-important final touch of the World Cup final against the All Blacks, holding onto the ball at the back of a retreating scrum and bringing an end to the match.
Having put his suspension behind him, Wiese is fired up to make his mark in his first Test start since the World Cup pool stage.
“If you’re out for this long and you aren’t hungry for a game against the All Blacks, then there’s something wrong with you,” Wiese said. “It is frustrating but it doesn’t help to say it should’ve been this way or that way.
“The whole team’s focus is on the All Blacks, to enjoy it and just to do the best that we can.”
Erasmus welcomed Wiese’s presence after testing Kwagga Smith, Elrigh Louw and Evan Roos at No 8, as he continues his search for Duane Vermeulen’s long-term successor.
The Bok coach also aimed a barb at World Rugby, hitting out the length of Wiese’s suspension.
“It’s good to have a player of Jasper’s calibre back and we know he’ll bring a lot of energy on attack and defence after biding his time to return to the field,” Erasmus said. “We are looking forward to seeing his physicality combined with the rest of the back row.
“It was three and a half months without a salary, match fees, winning fees but every day you have to keep on training and keep your mouth shut, scrum on the other side, maul on the other side. You can’t go on holiday, you have tackle school.
“I understand what World Rugby is doing, the punishment is harsh.
“He trained extremely hard to make level sense and not to lift a player’s legs when he tackles. But it was one of the harshest punishments I have seen.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
