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Flo hails attitude of Springbok newbies

Cape Town - Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said on Monday that loose forward newcomers Marco van Staden and Cyle Brink are likely to feature somewhere in the first two matches of this year's Rugby Championship. 

The Boks play against Argentina home and away in their first two matches, and Erasmus is likely to try a few things as preparations for the 2019 World Cup in Japan continue. 

Both players are uncapped at Springbok level, but Erasmus has had his eye on them ever since taking the job. 

Were it not for injury, Van Staden would have started in the No 6 jersey in the first Test against England back in June while Brink has had a massive season for the Lions in Super Rugby. 

Francois Louw, back in the Springbok mix and likely to start at Kings Park on Saturday, has been impressed by his two new loose forward team-mates. 

Erasmus made it clear that Louw's role in the team was about more than just performance, and that he would be expected to take some of the younger players under his wing in a leadership capacity. 

That process has started already, and Louw has embraced the challenge.

"The boys are hungry to play and they don't really step back. I've had a few training sessions with them now and they're keen to learn," the Bath-based Louw said of Van Staden and Brink.

"They are humble guys, both of them. They don't think they deserve to be here, but they want to earn their right to be here, which is what you want.

"There is no doubt that they're great rugby players, but what impresses me the most is their approach to the situation.

"I remember being in my first Bok camp and it's a big moment, and the way they've carried themselves and their hunger to be a part it and make the best contribution they can, that's the kind of player you want."

Louw revealed that the Boks had held a leadership meeting on Monday night and that he knew his role in the side from that perspective. 

"There are a lot more leaders in the side than people actually realise," said Louw.

"We think a leader is someone who has 50 to 100 Tests, but that's not the case.

"Ultimately, what we want to try and create is a leadership culture rather than have the older guys running around barking out orders. From my side, it's to try and help create that culture."

Kick-off on Saturday is at 17:05.

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