Friday Round-Up
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Friday Round-Up
Cockerill praises De Villiers
Leicester Tigers boss Richard Cockerill has spoken about the knowledge and leadership of former Springbok Jean de Villiers ahead of his debut at the club.
The former Springbok captain is set to make his debut against Harlequins at the weekend after fully recovering from a calf problem.
“His touch and understanding of the game is great,” he told the Leicester Mercury.
“You probably don’t equate South African rugby with back play but his knowledge of the game and his leadership have been fantastic.
“His body might not have done much this year but his mind is ready for it, he wants to contribute.
“Leicester don’t pay him enough to come for the money, I can promise you that.”
Cockerill also said the squad have enjoyed the advice offered by the Test centurion.
“He wants to contribute and enjoy it, he wants to play with the young backs around him and help,” he added.
“That is a great mentality from a guy his age who has achieved what he has achieved.”
Read to captain New Zealand
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has confirmed that former world player of the year Kieran Read will captain the All Blacks this year.
The No.8 takes over from Richie McCaw, who retired after New Zealand won back-to-back Rugby World Cups late last year.
Speaking to media after winning coach of the year at Thursday's Halberg Awards in Auckland, Hansen commented on McCaw's departure and how is leadership and sense of self-belief under pressure would be difficult to replace.
"We have known for quite some time that five of the guys are going to be leaving. We've known for a while and we've planned for that."
But the All Blacks leadership group which had developed under McCaw's captaincy would be a huge benefit for Read, who has 85 caps.
"They have that sense of belief, and that's the thing that Reado when he comes in as skipper will have to exude - that self-confidence under pressure," Hansen told the Paul Henry Show.
