Cape Town - Cheetahs backline coach Hawies Fourie says their young flyhalf sensation, Johan Goosen, could be the Springbok flyhalf this year.
Fourie told the Volksblad newspaper that a good Super Rugby season is all that stands between Goosen and a Springbok jersey.
The 19-year-old is expected to make his Super Rugby debut on February 25 when the Cheetahs tackle the Lions in Johannesburg.
Goosen burst onto the big stage in last year's Currie Cup for Free State and many pundits predicted he would one day play in the Bok No 10 jersey.
"Johan's performance in Super Rugby will determine whether he will play for the Boks this year. He definitely has the talent to do it," said Fourie.
"But he has competition from a number of good young flyhalves. Elton Jantjies (Lions) had a good Currie Cup last year and Patrick Lambie (Sharks) could also play in this position.
"And don't forget about Sias Ebersohn (Goosen's expected understudy at the Cheetahs). He had a good Super Rugby tournament in 2011 and he and Johan will push each other for the Cheetahs' flyhalf jersey.
Fourie says Goosen adapted quickly in the Currie Cup and expects the same from him in Super Rugby.
"Johan's long pre-season will definitely help him. Niel (du Plessis, the Cheetahs' fitness coach) does good work and our pre-season preparation has changed a lot. The goal is now to make the players better athletes, rather than make them bigger and stronger. It fits Johan like a glove because he is by nature a good athlete. It will get the best out of him," said Fourie.
Fourie told the Volksblad newspaper that a good Super Rugby season is all that stands between Goosen and a Springbok jersey.
The 19-year-old is expected to make his Super Rugby debut on February 25 when the Cheetahs tackle the Lions in Johannesburg.
Goosen burst onto the big stage in last year's Currie Cup for Free State and many pundits predicted he would one day play in the Bok No 10 jersey.
"Johan's performance in Super Rugby will determine whether he will play for the Boks this year. He definitely has the talent to do it," said Fourie.
"But he has competition from a number of good young flyhalves. Elton Jantjies (Lions) had a good Currie Cup last year and Patrick Lambie (Sharks) could also play in this position.
"And don't forget about Sias Ebersohn (Goosen's expected understudy at the Cheetahs). He had a good Super Rugby tournament in 2011 and he and Johan will push each other for the Cheetahs' flyhalf jersey.
Fourie says Goosen adapted quickly in the Currie Cup and expects the same from him in Super Rugby.
"Johan's long pre-season will definitely help him. Niel (du Plessis, the Cheetahs' fitness coach) does good work and our pre-season preparation has changed a lot. The goal is now to make the players better athletes, rather than make them bigger and stronger. It fits Johan like a glove because he is by nature a good athlete. It will get the best out of him," said Fourie.