Publications
Partners
Stephen Nell
Cape Town - The man who captained South Africa’s “B-team” alongside Bob Skinstad in 2007 has declared himself fit for the challenge of facing the Wallabies again under similar circumstances in Sydney.
“Old age is beginning to take its toll,” the 31-year-old Johann Muller said jokingly after watching his team-mates sweat it out in training from the sidelines at Hyde Park High on Tuesday.
“I suffered a slight hamstring strain last Friday and hopefully I will be able to start training again tomorrow (Thursday). I will definitely be fit for the Test against Australia.”
If Muller is true to his word, he may well be paired with Bulls enforcer Flip van der Merwe at lock against the Wallabies on 23 July.
With John Smit going on tour, it’s unlikely that Muller will again have the opportunity of captaining the Boks as he did in 2007.
However, he and Smit get along very well and Muller will no doubt have a leadership role if he is announced in the team on Wednesday.
Muller last pulled over the Green and Gold in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions – in 2009- and few people expected him to be called up from Irish side Munster to do it again.
“I was still under the impression until a few months ago that my Bok career was over. It’s a big privilege to suddenly be in the picture again.”
Muller wore the Boks’ No 5 jersey in 2007 when they took on the Wallabies in Sydney with a weakened side under the leadership of Skinstad. South Africa were 17-0 up after just 16 minutes, but Australia ultimately won 25-17.
Muller captained the Boks against New Zealand the following week when they lost 6-33 in Christchurch. The All Blacks only clinched the game with three tries in the last 11 minutes.
Notwithstanding the unhappiness about the make-up of the Bok squad, Muller is excited about the talent that South Africa are taking on tour.
“I don’t think there is another country in world rugby that can send a so-called B-side with so much quality overseas. All the players are excited and are looking forward immensely to the two games,” said Muller.
“We don’t have control over what people think or say about the squad. Our job is to go and beat Australia and New Zealand on their turf. That is where our sole focus is.
“Remember that every player in this squad has something to prove. You can play your way into the World Cup squad if you produce two strong performances on tour.”
To that end Muller has a big challenge awaiting him because Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield and Andries Bekker should be ahead of him in the queue to play in the World Cup. Apart from that Van der Merwe, Danie Rossouw and Alistair Hargreaves are also lock options.
Muller’s experience counts for a lot – he was on the Boks’ bench in the last World Cup final – and his enthusiasm knows no limits.
Cape Town - The man who captained South Africa’s “B-team” alongside Bob Skinstad in 2007 has declared himself fit for the challenge of facing the Wallabies again under similar circumstances in Sydney.
“Old age is beginning to take its toll,” the 31-year-old Johann Muller said jokingly after watching his team-mates sweat it out in training from the sidelines at Hyde Park High on Tuesday.
“I suffered a slight hamstring strain last Friday and hopefully I will be able to start training again tomorrow (Thursday). I will definitely be fit for the Test against Australia.”
If Muller is true to his word, he may well be paired with Bulls enforcer Flip van der Merwe at lock against the Wallabies on 23 July.
With John Smit going on tour, it’s unlikely that Muller will again have the opportunity of captaining the Boks as he did in 2007.
However, he and Smit get along very well and Muller will no doubt have a leadership role if he is announced in the team on Wednesday.
Muller last pulled over the Green and Gold in the third Test against the British and Irish Lions – in 2009- and few people expected him to be called up from Irish side Munster to do it again.
“I was still under the impression until a few months ago that my Bok career was over. It’s a big privilege to suddenly be in the picture again.”
Muller wore the Boks’ No 5 jersey in 2007 when they took on the Wallabies in Sydney with a weakened side under the leadership of Skinstad. South Africa were 17-0 up after just 16 minutes, but Australia ultimately won 25-17.
Muller captained the Boks against New Zealand the following week when they lost 6-33 in Christchurch. The All Blacks only clinched the game with three tries in the last 11 minutes.
Notwithstanding the unhappiness about the make-up of the Bok squad, Muller is excited about the talent that South Africa are taking on tour.
“I don’t think there is another country in world rugby that can send a so-called B-side with so much quality overseas. All the players are excited and are looking forward immensely to the two games,” said Muller.
“We don’t have control over what people think or say about the squad. Our job is to go and beat Australia and New Zealand on their turf. That is where our sole focus is.
“Remember that every player in this squad has something to prove. You can play your way into the World Cup squad if you produce two strong performances on tour.”
To that end Muller has a big challenge awaiting him because Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield and Andries Bekker should be ahead of him in the queue to play in the World Cup. Apart from that Van der Merwe, Danie Rossouw and Alistair Hargreaves are also lock options.
Muller’s experience counts for a lot – he was on the Boks’ bench in the last World Cup final – and his enthusiasm knows no limits.
