Johan Grobbelaar is aiming to impress in his biggest match for the Springboks yet, when they take on France in Paris over the coming weekend.
“It will be a massive opportunity for me. I haven’t had a lot of caps yet, so it will probably be one of my biggest games.”
“It is my first time here in Paris, and being here with this squad and players with this quality helps.”
“It’s going to be a massive battle and I am looking forward to.”
“It was great to get out there on the pitch again. I’ve been out for a few months. I was glad to get the opportunity against Japan and glad to have the first one in a while in the pocket. I am just looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Grobbelaar admitted that it was a good thing to rotate players, keeping things fresh and giving young players an opportunity to gain valuable experience.
“You need to keep building the squad and give young guys opportunities. Otherwise you would get to a point where you just have experienced players and there would be a gap, with too many inexperienced players,” explained Grobbelaar.
“So the rotation is good, especially for me as a younger guy coming in and getting more caps. So I am looking forward to the next few weeks.”
Grobbelaar was at home, watching when the Springboks beat France in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.
“I was back home in South Africa watching with friends. Obviously, it was a massive game to watch, very passionate from both teams.”
“I was very proud of the boys, and it is special to be with them,” he said, adding that the Springboks are expecting a huge physical onslaught from the French.”
“We are expecting big and strong guys with a lot of skills, including the guys that are coming off the bench with new energy.”
“It’s two nations with big pride in set-piece and playing a physical game.”
“So we will be out there trying to overpower them at set-piece and breakdown.”
