Brussow looks to tame Lions once more

ONE day in the limelight has set Heinrich Brussow’s pulse racing, and believing he can be architect of the British and Irish Lions’ downfall.

Brussow had to produce the display of his life for the Free State Cheetahs to persuade Springboks coach Peter de Villiers he was worthy of stepping into Schalk Burger’s (injured) boots.

And eventually, with a little gentle persuasion from the South African public and media, de Villiers got the message.

Having inspired the Cheetahs to a stunning comeback against the tourists, the 22-year-old described his call-up as replacement for Burger as “a move from hell to heaven in the space of one week.”

He is determined to make the most of his chance and Brussow, described yesterday in one newspaper as the “single biggest tormentor of the Lions on this tour”, hopes to produce a repeat of those heroics in a Test scenario.

Brussow said: “I am sure the Lions will be thinking of my inclusion and hopefully they will remember Bloemfontein and that will give us a mental advantage.”

The flanker denied he had used illegal methods in his successful bid to disrupt the touring side in that match.

“The Lions accused the referee of not policing the breakdowns but if they take a good look at the footage they will see I was perfectly legal. I am a small man and that means I can get into places the big guys can’t.

“We know the referee (Bryce Lawrence) well from the Super 14 and he does get a bit touchy around the breakdown area. I’ll have to be careful but one also has to be bold. It’s like walking a tight rope,” he said.

He continued: “We know, with guys like Brian O’Driscoll and Jamie Roberts, Lee Byrne and others out there, what they’re capable of doing. That’s the game they have come here to play, to get the ball out wide as fast as possible. Having said that, we have a share of pace ourselves in the back division; it’s up to us destructive forwards to make sure we supply enough quality possession.”