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Bloemfontein – Saracens coach Brendan Venter has called for the inclusion of Schalk Brits in the Springboks’ World Cup squad next year following a man-of-the-match performance in their 37-18 win over Harlequins.
The 28-year-old Brits, who has represented the Boks in three Tests, created two tries for Andy Saull and also scored one of his own for Saracens.
“Schalk has to be one of the top three hookers in world rugby,” Venter told mailonline.co.uk.
“He is undoubtedly the most talented hooker with the ball in hand and as a defender. If I were the South African coach, there would not be any doubt about his inclusion. He has something you can’t coach – he’s special. He simply has to go to the World Cup.”
Harlequins coach Conor O’Shea was also impressed.
“He’s an incredible rugby player and is among the best in the world. He can step, has pace and pops up everywhere on the field.”
Brits could not display his good form at a better time as Bok coach Peter de Villiers is set to pick a number of overseas-based players for the June 5 Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
De Villiers was the coach who picked Brits for his first three Tests after previous Bok coach Jake White was not interested in his services.
“Jake White had John Smit as his captain and hooker. He was a good coach and had his reasons. Unfortunately I was not part of his plans,” said Brits.
Brits, who has also been hailed as “incredible” by England captain Steve Borthwick, is humble about his success.
“I’m not doing too badly. That is all I can say at the moment,” he told mailonline.co.uk.
As for his chances about playing for South Africa again, he said: “You always remain hopeful.”
Brits has already played 28 games for Saracens and scored seven tries.
Meanwhile, another contender for the June 5 Bok side – fly-half Butch James – should return to the Bath side this week. James recently injured an ankle in Bath’s match against the Sale Sharks.
Bloemfontein – Saracens coach Brendan Venter has called for the inclusion of Schalk Brits in the Springboks’ World Cup squad next year following a man-of-the-match performance in their 37-18 win over Harlequins.
The 28-year-old Brits, who has represented the Boks in three Tests, created two tries for Andy Saull and also scored one of his own for Saracens.
“Schalk has to be one of the top three hookers in world rugby,” Venter told mailonline.co.uk.
“He is undoubtedly the most talented hooker with the ball in hand and as a defender. If I were the South African coach, there would not be any doubt about his inclusion. He has something you can’t coach – he’s special. He simply has to go to the World Cup.”
Harlequins coach Conor O’Shea was also impressed.
“He’s an incredible rugby player and is among the best in the world. He can step, has pace and pops up everywhere on the field.”
Brits could not display his good form at a better time as Bok coach Peter de Villiers is set to pick a number of overseas-based players for the June 5 Test against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
De Villiers was the coach who picked Brits for his first three Tests after previous Bok coach Jake White was not interested in his services.
“Jake White had John Smit as his captain and hooker. He was a good coach and had his reasons. Unfortunately I was not part of his plans,” said Brits.
Brits, who has also been hailed as “incredible” by England captain Steve Borthwick, is humble about his success.
“I’m not doing too badly. That is all I can say at the moment,” he told mailonline.co.uk.
As for his chances about playing for South Africa again, he said: “You always remain hopeful.”
Brits has already played 28 games for Saracens and scored seven tries.
Meanwhile, another contender for the June 5 Bok side – fly-half Butch James – should return to the Bath side this week. James recently injured an ankle in Bath’s match against the Sale Sharks.
