Bok skipper up and running

Cape Town - Amidst concerns over Duane Vermeulen and Demetri Catrakilis, there was a shining light at Monday’s Stormers training session.

It came in the form of Springbok captain Jean de Villiers, who was running at pace through a Robbie Fleck backline session.

De Villiers was moving freely, looking in no apparent discomfort throughout a fast moving, if not physical session.

The Bok skipper is trying his utmost to regain full fitness ahead of September’s Rugby World Cup after rupturing his knee ligaments against Wales in November last year.

De Villiers was looking so good yesterday that Coetzee was asked – only half seriously – if the 34-year-old would be able to play for the Stormers before the season was out.

"He’s been looking sharp at training," Coetzee said.

"But it’s definitely not the time for Jean to be part of any contact situations yet. He’s doing really well."

De Villiers certainly has a spring in his step again, and Coetzee said that he could see how desperate the 106 Test veteran was to get back to competitive rugby.

"He’s energised, he’s looking fresh. I can see he wants to get his hands on a ball and get the feel for it again, which is good," said Coetzee.

"In non-contact situations with the team it is great to have him here. There is a nice energy coming from his side."

The Springboks play their first World Cup match against Japan on September 19.