Paul de Villiers views Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s presence at the Springbok training camps as a masterclass learning opportunity.
“He’s a great player, a great captain. It is an opportunity to learn from his game, but also from his leadership. Competition is always good, especially in your position. But I think my focus is more on what I can gain from it. He's a great man.”
As an emerging turnover specialist, De Villiers noted that he is actively watching, listening, and learning from Kolisi, Heinrich Brüssow and other specialists to refine his breakdown efficiency.
“It is hard to single out guys, but yes, I watched a lot of Brüssow’s rugby, and I definitely learned from how he tackled the breakdown.”
“I learned a lot from watching top players at the breakdown. I am still learning, and right now from guys like Siya, Siba and Emmanuel, the sixes in the squad. I have stuff I bring to the table, but Siya adds things I can learn, so it is good to listen, watch, and learn.”
“As I played more rugby through my school years, I formed into a fetcher role, but I hope that is not the only thing I contribute.”
“It is part of my job to make turnovers, and when you get off the field and have contributed in that area, it feels good.”