Young Springbok fly-half Johan Goosen has been given a huge vote of confidence by his provincial captain ahead of his first Test start against Australia in Pretoria on Saturday.
Cheetahs skipper and Springbok vice-captain Adriaan Strauss gave a glowing assessment of the 20-year-old's ability to handle the pressure that comes with wearing the green and gold number ten jumper.
Goosen was handed the pivot role in place of Test veteran Morne Steyn on Wednesday and Strauss is adamant that he'll live up to expectations.
"I've told him before he handles pressure better than any other player I've met," said Strauss.
"So I have no doubt he is the kind of player who can handle it. Sometimes it looks like he doesn't feel the pressures at all.
"He will probably have some nerves but he won't allow it to get the better of him. You see the best of Johan under pressure.
"It is great to see Johan to get the opportunity and he has proved himself.
"Morne has proven himself as an exceptional player over the years. I think Johan will be able to fill his shoes."
As far as the rest of the team is concerned, Strauss said that 'pressure' is not the right word to describe the feeling in general in the Bok camp, as they look to build on a strong performance, especially up front, against the All Blacks a fortnight ago.
"We'd rather look at it as a challenge and hopefully we can get the result," said the hooker, who has seen his role in the squad grow in the absence of Bismarck du Plessis and Chiliboy Ralepelle.
"Everyone has the greatest support for Heyneke Meyer. We all believe in the vision he has for the team and we are working towards achieving that goal.
"As a leader in the team, it has been quite easy, there are some guys who hardly say anything while there are others who bring a great amount of energy. But everyone is pulling their weight.
"Credit must go to the coach however; he wants SA to be proud with the way the team perform."
The Wallabies will be without Stephen Moore but Strauss has the utmost respect for Tatafu Polata-Nau, who will start at hooker for the visitors.
"He defends very well and makes some big hits sometimes," said Strauss, who will earn his 17th cap.
"I think their line-outs went well [against the Springboks in Perth]. Every week is a new game and they'll be up for it.
"They also scrum well and we need to counter them as a unit.
"With a Test there is always pressure and we need to handle it. Dunedin was tough for us to lose, but every time you put yourself out there it will be tough."
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