Another reason why Schalk Brits is so popular

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South Africa hooker (and part-time No.8) Schalk Brits is one of the most popular players on the planet, and he only enhanced his reputation in his side’s 66-7 demolition of Canada on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old veteran is known to always play with a smile on his face, and that was no more apparent early in the second-half when he bowed to thank the ballboy for the ball before he threw it in. It is a small gesture, but it is one that has proved to be very popular on social media, and has only improved his popularity amongst fans.

It is not only Brits’ attitude that makes him such a character in the game, but the way that he plays the game. He is not shackled by the number two on his back, as he has the footwork and hands that would be suited in the backs. His try a few minutes after the video clip was an example of that.

Despite making his Springboks debut in 2008, the Saracens legend has only made a handful of starts for his country over the years. But given that he retired in 2018, he seems grateful for every minute he has on the pitch at this Rugby World Cup.

The hooker came of injured in the second half with a calf injury, and hobbled off the field with a smile, thanking the crowd. He would have known that this was likely to be his last game of the World, and for South Africa, with Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi ahead of him in the squad, and the injury may have only confirmed that.

That seemed to be realisation of his as he went off and proceeded to do a lap of honour around the pitch, as the crowd saw one of rugby’s best characters bow out of the game.

By Josh Raisey