'Second' Bok debut for Mapoe

The Lions outside centre has been without a doubt the best 13 in South Africa this year. While Jesse Kriel enjoyed a standout 2015 season which earned a Bok call-up and a trip to the World Cup, it is Mapoe who did the most to impress new Springbok coach Allister Coetzee in 2016.

Mapoe is the top try scorer in the competition and has been far more industrious around the park than Kriel this season. The latter is still highly rated and ticked all the boxes in the Test arena last year, but he will have to play his way back into the starting lineup this season.

Nevertheless, Mapoe has to carry his good form into Test rugby. With just one Springbok cap to his name, Mapoe will hope to make the most of his opportunity. Fortunately, a starting berth will thrust him straight into the action.

Having only played three minutes in his 2015 debut against the All Blacks, Mapoe said this weekend’s game feels like his first real Test match.

“I just told myself this is my second first start,” Mapoe said after the Springbok team announcement.

“Obviously it’s a big one. I’m pretty excited, happy, I can’t explain it at the moment. I think it needs to sink in a bit. I’m looking forward to Saturday, it’s not going to be easy but hard work pays off.”

“Coming from the provincial season and Super Rugby, I just need to build on my form, getting into the setup again I know that the hard work only starts now for a new journey,” he added.

Having had a taste of international rugby, Mapoe knows that the stakes are high this weekend. While he is known for his game-breaking ability, the 27-year-old said he would be focusing on performing his role on Saturday.

“Test matches are a big deal. I can’t just come into the team and do my own thing you know. I’m a team player and I always tell myself that. If the team does well I am going to do well and individuals will shine within the team. We have a plan we want to implement on Saturday and I will stick to that and enjoy myself.”

Another test will be how quickly Mapoe can link up with Damian de Allende. The Stormers centre made a return from injury this season and is returning to form, but the pair have never played together. It creates a similar situation to 2015, where De Allende and Kriel had to build an understanding in the Test arena. Mapoe believes the two weeks in camp has provided ample opportunity for the pair to connect.

“This last two weeks we’ve come right. There are fresh faces in the squad and obviously Damian and I haven’t played together but we’ve found each other quite well this past week. We’ve started building some structure together, defending and attacking more and he’s been here a while. I can learn a few things from him and he will help me talk on the field,” Mapoe said.

The Springboks face Ireland at 17h00 on Saturday in Cape Town.

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