Springboks’ rising star’s candid assessment ahead of second Wallabies Test
Springboks number eight Elrigh Louw takes on the Wallabies defence.
After delivering an impressive performance for the Springboks during last week’s victory over the Wallabies, Elrigh Louw is preparing himself for a huge response from the hosts in Perth on Saturday.
Louw is one of five players who retained their places in the Springboks’ starting line-up and is set to make only his sixth appearance and second start for the world champions.
The 24-year-old, who can also pack down on the side of the scrum, expects the Wallabies to offer a sterner test after they suffered a humiliating 33-7 defeat in the corresponding fixture.
‘They’ll sharpen up their game’
“The Wallabies will definitely come back better,” said Louw. “They’ll sharpen up their game and we’re ready for that.
“For us it will be important not be caught out by their tactics and plans, so we just have to go out there and execute our game to the best of our ability.”
Louw is happy with the display he put in during last weekend’s encounter and is hoping to continue in a similar vein in Perth.
“I certainly got a bit of confidence from last week with my first start and I know what to expect this week,” he added.
“I can’t really change much in the way I play, but I can go out there and give my best for the team.
“Everyone has a role to play in the team, and looking back in my career, there isn’t much of a difference between playing number eight and flanker. As a player I just like to have my hands on the ball and to try to play my game.”
The competition for the Boks‘ number eight position is intense with Jasper Wiese set to return from suspension while Evan Roos is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.
Louw knows that he can ill afford to slip up and is determined to give his best whenever he gets a chance to represent South Africa.
Keen ‘to use this chance’
“We are all aligned in terms of the team plans and as coach Rassie said, he wants to build squad depth and expose some players to Top-tier rugby, so my goal this weekend is to do my best and to use this chance,” he said.
The Bulls stalwart is looking forward to linking up with rookie scrum-half Morne van den Berg, who will make his first Test start this weekend.
“We played together a little in the Test against Portugal, but we’ve trained well together this week, and that gives us confidence going into the game,” said Louw.
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