Big man in at the deep end
Juandre Kruger faces a daunting challenge calling the line-outs on his Test debut alongside fellow rookie Eben Etzebeth this weekend, but it is one that he will meet head-on.
The imposing Bulls lock has ensured that Loftus Versfeld legend Victor Matfield's legacy of line-out domination has continued at Super Rugby level this year, and he is determined to prove that he can do justice to the Springbok No.5 jersey that his mentor held for so long when he earns his first Test cap against England on Saturday.
Although there will be a huge responsibility on his shoulders at Kings park as the organiser of the Springbok line-out Kruger says that the quality of the team's preparation has given them confidence in their ability to secure possession from the vital set-piece.
He told this website: "When it comes to line-outs it is all about preparation. There haven't been any big changes in systems, we had three or four group squad meetings throughout the Super Rugby season so we are well prepared.
"Heyneke [Meyer] is a great coach and his coaching staff around him are all great coaches so the environment they create at training and the planning sessions for the training has been really of a high standard.
"That gives a calmness to the squad and makes it easier for players to perform. We have had a great week with high intensity and we are well prepared on contesting and attacking line-outs," Kruger explained.
The young Bok has been highly impressive as the man in charge of a Bulls line-out that has been a massive weapon for the Pretoria franchise this year, looking solid on his own ball and claiming plenty off the opposition, but he was quick to point out that line-outs are not a one-man show and that he will need the support of the rest of the forward pack to deal with the threat that England will pose on Saturday.
"Each player needs to lead without title in his position and I have got a responsibility in the line-outs, but all of the players around me have also got their own responsibilities - it is also about lifting, execution of throwing so it is about all eight forwards and their execution," he said.
Kruger acknowledged the influence that Matfield has had on his career, and said that the Springbok pack is set to reap the rewards of his input for some time to come.
"He [Matfield] has been a legend of the game and has played a massive role in forming me as a player.
"The current Springbok players have learned a lot from him, he is always a willing and open person for people to learn, so I will always be thankful to him for the work he has put in and his willingness to share," he said.
Although Kruger will be starting alongside fellow debutant Etzebeth he has confidence that the 20-year-old Stormers bruiser has what it takes to dominate at Test level as he has proven to be a formidable competitor at Super Rugby level this season.
"We have played twice against each other in Super Rugby and the line-outs are my responsibility so I look at all the teams every weekend and he has been exceptional.
"I feel for Flip van der Merwe - he is also a great player so they are two great locks but he [Etzebeth] has proven himself in Super Rugby so I think he definitely deserves his chance," said Kruger.
The former Northampton Saints player has the advantage of having squared up to many of the England players in the Premiership before, and will be looking to snatch some line-out ball from his former teammate Dylan Hartley's throws, but he is under no illusions about the size of the challenge that awaits him at Kings Park on Saturday.
"I do know some of the players, but that does not count for anything.
"England back their jumping options in their loose forwards so it gives them a lot of options in their line-outs, and they will definitely be a well-prepared line-out," he said.
By Michael de Vries, in Durban