Front-row foes on collision course

IT WON’T happen too often, so you might as well make a note of it – four Irish-based players in front row action for a Test against a southern hemisphere side.

The presence of Ulster player BJ Botha in the South African front row means future pub quizzes will have another question they can throw out, but the powerful prop was keen to focus on the here and now at the Springbok press day during the week.

Given that he’s faced most of the Ireland pack in his day job with the northern province, Springbok management have asked for his input on tomorrow’s opponents.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to playing the Six Nations champions in Croke Park.

“I’ve obviously played against the majority of guys in the Magners League as well, given most of them play for Munster and Leinster, and I’ve tried to pass on what I can.

“But you have to stick to your own guns and what you do yourself as well – we have to worry about ourselves as well, and we need to continue doing what we’ve been doing well all along.

“Obviously we’re taking on board what happened in previous games, but for the most part we want to continue what we’ve been doing and not change too much either.”

One of those Irish opponents is the new sensation at prop, Cian Healy.

The Leinster man’s bullocking runs late on against Australia a fortnight caught the eye, and Botha nods when asked about Healy’s progress.

“We played against each other twice last year, I think, and he’s come a long way.

“He’s a strong scrummager and he also does well around the park. He’s a great player and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

The prop also concurs when asked about the hype that’s been building steadily ahead of today’s game.

During the week Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold suggested the game was bigger than the Lions Tests last summer and the final, decisive Tri-Nations clash with New Zealand in Wellington.

Botha is well aware of what’s at stake in Jones Road.

“You’ve got to expect that, there was always going to be a massive build-up when it’s Six Nations champions against Tri-Nations champions – that’s what the game is all about.

“Plus I’ve never played in Croke Park before, so you have a massive stadium, you’ll have a massive crowd, and I’m sure everyone involved is really looking forward to it.”

Accordingly, can Ireland claim to be world champions if they take the Boks this afternoon?

“I don’t know if you can go far,” says Botha with a grin, “But you can take it as you want. I think the players will be looking forward to the challenge on the field against South Africa.

“If you take away all the side shows, the trophies that are involved, it’s just going to be a massive test, a massive game.

“It is north versus south – Ireland have always prided themselves on their game and we’ve always been proud of our heritage and keen to play well when we’re up north.”

Botha isn’t the only Irish-based player to be called into the squad – fellow front row CJ Van Der Linde of Leinster and Munster centre Jean de Villiers are on the bench this afternoon. Given that international recognition is forthcoming while overseas, then, would Botha consider a longer stay in Ulster?

“I don’t think you can think too far ahead – I’m concentrating on this weekend’s game, and I’ve got an opportunity because of a few injuries in the squad. I’m grateful for that opportunity and I’ll be making the most of it.

“After the game, and next year, I’ll see how things develop. Ulster have been very good to me and I’m grateful for this chance of playing for South Africa again.”

Confirming that his arrival in camp was accompanied by plenty of slagging – “You always get the banter in a team sport, but it’s all good,” – he says he’s glad he didn’t have to make calls such as moving captain John Smit back to hooker.

“I’m just thankful that I’m not involved in selection! Again, I’m just grateful for the opportunity. I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors when they select the team, but I’m glad to be starting.

“John (Smit) makes a big difference in the side and at the end of the day the scrum is about all eight players – you have to work well as a unit and we have to work hard as a pack.”

Professional as ever, he shrugs when reminded that most of his teammates will be hitting the beaches for their holidays after today’s international while he’s back to Ravenhill and the Magners League.

“I’m still feeling fresh and we’re only midway through our season. We have some big games coming up after this Test, and I’m really looking forward to that.”

There’s just that little engagement in Croke Park today to deal with first.