John O'Sullivan talks to two South Africans ahead of their international bows
Bevin Fortuin, Francois Steyn and Jaco Pretorius represent a novice trio. It's not just applicable to the fact they will make their respective debuts for South Africa against Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Saturday but because two of the three players, Steyn and Pretorius, will play in positions with which they have only a rudimentary knowledge.
The 26-year-old Fortuin is well versed with the demands of fullback, having showcased his talents with the Free State Cheetahs for the past two seasons but for the other two it's going to be a more exacting bow in the international arena.
The 19-year-old Steyn only made his Currie Cup debut for the Sharks this season. While he excelled at outhalf and fullback, Springbok Jake White has elected to use him on the wing. Steyn smiled: "I really don't know what to expect. It's going to be hard and I suppose I just really want to go out and have a nice first cap and enjoy myself."
Steyn's team-mates are cognizant of his youth. "They haven't told me anything about it (Lansdowne Road) because they are aware that for me it's going to be a very emotional day. The players don't want me to be stressing out so they are being nice to me.
"It's (my selection) a surprise but I think the lord has blessed me a huge amount. For the talent that he gave me I can only go down on my knees and thank him every day for what has happened to me this year.
"Last year when I was still in school some of these guys were my heroes and on Saturday I'm playing against them. It's a huge opportunity for me. I enjoy Ronan O'Gara, Brian O'Driscoll (and the way they play the game)."
Pretorius (26) represents a less callow debutant as a former captain of the Springbok Sevens squad for whom he played 140 times. It's only this season he made a significant impact in the 15-man version of the sport, having been a standout in the centre for the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup. At Lansdowne Road he'll play on the right wing.
He's an engaging personality and relishes the opportunity that Saturday presents, not least encountering several opponents for whom he professes an admiration.
In listing the qualities of Ireland captain O'Driscoll he finished by pointing out: "He's just got the style of rugby that I like to play. He'd be in my side anytime."
Pretorius boasts a healthy respect for the Irish backs in general. "(Shane) Horgan is a huge winger who can be used in a lot of roles that you want as a backline coach. He's a versatile player and can be used as a third centre. He's an awesome player. (Ronan) O'Gara's got a great kicking game.
"(Gordon) D'Arcy is a brilliant player and I think that's an awesome partnership and a brilliant, brilliant centre combination. It's a huge challenge for us but that's why we play Test rugby for an opportunity to go against the world's best."
His new remit, playing on the wing, doesn't faze him.
"I have played a couple of games in the Currie Cup. It is a new position for me but as coach Jake (White) said, from second and third phase, it doesn't matter where you fit in. You have got to have the skill and the ability to run.
"It's a great experience for me to get a bit more depth as a rugby player and to know and get confidence in a different position. There's quite a bit of pressure on the new guys because it's do-or-die. We need to put up a good performance and keep that momentum (from the latter stages of the Tri-Nations).
"If you don't perform and you've got an opportunity to put a green and gold jersey over your head; well we need to perform. That whole burden that lies on players' shoulders about not being able to perform away from home needs to be stopped. What happens between the four lines of the pitch is the same whether it's in Ireland, France or South Africa."
To the outsider, White may be seen to be taking a bit of a punt in deciding on his back three. But his standing as a coach and a brief conversation with the debutants suggests they're ready to ask questions and maybe provide a few answers to boot.
