Whiteley keen for crack at 8
The 27-year-old has just two Bok caps to his name and played both of those games at blindside flank. With regular number 8 Duane Vermeulen recovering from a neck operation earlier this week, Whiteley gets a chance to impress Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer.
The Lions captain said earlier this week he was just looking to do his bit in the exhibition match against a World XV.
“It’s a massive honour to represent my country and to get an opportunity to start at 8 is also fantastic. My previous two Tests I’ve played at blindside flank – it’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m just excited to be a part of the group again. I’m learning every single day,” Whiteley told reporters in Cape Town.
Tomorrow’s match at Newlands promises to be an exciting affair. As is often the case in these types of games, both teams play with a little less caution as they look to capitalise on attacking opportunities – something Whiteley expects from the World XV.
“Overall, the World XV is always going to play an attacking brand of rugby and they’re going to take any opportunity that comes their way, especially on turnover ball. The most important thing for us is to stick to our process and keep ball in hand because they will thrive on any turnover or loose ball.”
The Springboks are without their two bruising ball carriers, Vermeulen and Willem Alberts. The loose trio of Francois Louw, Marcell Coetzee and Whiteley will be slightly more dynamic which could well suit the occasion. Whiteley conceded that he and Vermeulen are vastly different players and touched on what he wanted to bring to the Bok cause on Saturday.
“It’s difficult to compare the two of us; we’re two completely different players. I think my strength is probably my work rate, whether that is on attack or defence. On attack, I try to link a lot more between backs and forwards – maybe a bit more on the outside channels,” Whiteley said.
“I’ve always enjoyed working hard and I’ve really learned a lot over the last two years here at the Boks being involved in the squads. I just want to contribute; I think I’ve only played about 33 minutes of Test match rugby. I know this isn’t a Test but it’s a great opportunity to get used to the running lines, the players and the Springbok game plan.”
With one eye on the World Cup later this year, and Vermeulen expected to return on the eve of the tournament, Whitely could well be in the running for a spot in the 31-man squad that will travel to England.
The humble Lions stalwart said he was focused on contributing to the team and continuing his growth as a player.
“I think I just want to contribute. I’ve only played about 30 minutes for the side so I just want to contribute and as you mentioned be better – not establish myself, just contribute more than anything. You can’t replace a guy like Duane, he is a world class player. I just want to play my natural game, which I’ve been encouraged to do.”
The Boks take on the World XV at 17h05 on Saturday.
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