Brits `just happy to be here`

Tuesday 08th July 2008

After a marathon journey from one side of the world to the other, Stormers hooker Schalk Brits joined the Springbok squad on Tuesday exhausted, but excited.

The 27-year-old, who was a shoe-in for the squad in many fans' eyes before the tour departed, was called up on Sunday as a replacement for the injured John Smit.

He trained on Tuesday morning in a bid to blow off the cobwebs and jet-lag as fast as possible, in anticipation of at least a starting spot against New Zealand on Saturday.

"It feels fantastic to be here. Before I left I spoke to my parents and told them how much it would mean to me to face the haka in New Zealand, and now that opportunity is around the corner," he said to SAPA.

"Playing for the Springboks has always been a dream of mine - being here is like a dream within a dream.

"Even though I have not been with the team from the start of the tour, it feels like I've not been away at all. Before the touring squad was announced, Peter (de Villiers) phoned me and explained to me why I would not be in it.

"I was okay with that and enjoyed playing for Western Province in the Currie Cup, even though last Saturday's game against the Cheetahs was a bit difficult, as I knew before kick-off that I would be joining the Boks.

"Getting motivated for a big game, like the one against the Cheetahs, is never difficult, but it was always in the back of my mind that I must not get injured."

Bismarck du Plessis will start at hooker, with Victor Matfield taking over the captaincy from Smit.

"It's Peter's decision whether I get game-time or not, but I'm more than ready. I will never try and fill John's shoes - he is a fantastic player and captain. All I can do is make a contribution," concluded Brits.