‘He is a world-class player’ - Mzwandile Stick on Faf de Klerk

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the return of Faf de Klerk is a huge boost for the side ahead of their clash with Les Bleus this weekend.

De Klerk was unavailable for last Saturday’s tour opener at Twickenham as it fell outside of World Rugby’s international window.

The lively halfback was expected to miss the entire tour of Europe as part of an agreement with his club but Rassie Erasmus opted to call him up following the one-point loss to England.

The Sale Sharks halfback is expected to start this weekend against France/

‘He is a world-class player,’ said Stick on Tuesday when asked about De Klerk. ‘His experience and what he brings to the team is vital. He knows European conditions and I think he will add a lot of value to the team if he gets an opportunity to play this weekend.’

Stick said the Boks were focused on getting better and taking their scoring chances against France.

‘We created opportunities against England and as coaches we can be positive about that. The disappointing thing is that we didn’t convert them into points. We did that in the games against the All Blacks earlier this year.

‘I don’t think we are going to change much in our plan, though. If you can create 20 scoring opportunities against England at Twickenham, you are doing something right.

‘It’s always going to be difficult playing France in Paris,’ he added. ‘They’ve got physical players in the pack and midfield and it’s going to be tough.’

Stick said he was pleased with the work the back three – wings Aphiwe Dyantyi and S’bu Nkosi and fullback Damian Willemse – did under the high ball at Twickenham.

‘We knew there was going to be a challenge in the north with the kicking game and the conditions. It’s a big work-on in our game. I think they’ve come a long way in terms of their work in the air. We are catching up.’

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