Grant Williams admits to nicking Test centurion Willie le Roux’s try during Saturday night’s lashing of Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Williams made an emphatic statement in his first appearance for the Springboks in three months, playing a key role in the 45-0 hiding, and has reminded coach Rassie Erasmus and the greater South African rugby public of his ability and the X factor he brings to the Springboks.
The Sharks scrumhalf formed a silky halfback pairing with Manie Libbok and opened the scoring in the eighth minute.
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He looked sharp throughout and helped steer a Bok team that was reduced to 14 men in the 22nd minute – and 13 early in the second half – to a dominant seven-try victory.
“I wish I could have played for the Sharks first,” Williams quipped post-match. “There was a bit of nerves this week after a frustrating three months, but I’m happy we got the win and personally to be able to play again. There was obviously a little rust, but I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks.”
Back in the Bok mix for the first time since his neck injury, Williams said the nerves disappeared quickly after crossing the whitewash.
“I think I was calm after that,” he said of his early try.
“It was great to score a try, even though it was Willie’s try that I took. My mindset last week was all about getting on the field and ensuring that I nail the detail, but I’m happy for the team and about the result.”
The Springbok backline is cooking 🔥🔥
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Saturday’s win marked South Africa’s third straight victory, following a 54-7 rout of the Barbarians and a 42-24 triumph over Italy in Pretoria, as a new-look team showed attacking ambition and defensive steel, even while playing with reduced numbers.
“It’s always difficult to get a red card, but if you know coach Rassie, there’s always a plan,” said Williams. “So we were well prepared for a card, which happened to be the case in the match.”
Asked about his combination with Manie Libbok, Williams credited the depth and clarity in the Bok squad.
“It’s not just like that with Manie. It’s the same with Sacha, Handre, Manie and Damian. There’s a plan for every game, and this week the strategy was to try a few things, and it worked. It’s always special to play with Manie. We have a great relationship, but at the same time, it doesn’t matter who I play alongside.”
The Boks are now gearing up for the Test against Georgia at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
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Photo by Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
