Jake White has hailed Rassie Erasmus’ decision to get Jean Kleyn back into South African colours as the former Ireland lock prepares to make his Springbok debut against Australia.
Kleyn will make a starting debut for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
MORE: Kleyn ‘shocked’ to fill Bakkies’ boots
The former Stormers lock played five Tests for Ireland in 2019 after joining Munster, but was cleared by World Rugby to represent South Africa this year due to a change in regulations.
He will pair up with Marvin Orie in a new-look second-row combination in the Bok engine room.
Writing in a column for RugbyPass, former Springbok coach White backed Kleyn to make a difference for the hosts as they continue to lay the plans for their World Cup defence in France.
“There has been a lot of chat about Jean Kleyn’s return. I watched a podcast with Brian O’Driscoll, talking about what is required to play in the engine room with Ireland. The bottom line is that the skillset Jean Kleyn possesses is probably better suited to the Bok team than Andy Farrell’s side.
“Saying that, his game has markedly improved since he went to play for Munster. Ireland haven’t missed a trick but Rassie (Erasmus) and Jacques (Nienaber) have shown their street smarts and got it right.
“They pulled Jason Jenkins into camp during the Autumn Series to get his IP on what Leinster did, and now they’ve got Munster’s RG Snyman and Jean to give them the inside track. Remember they have to circumnavigate the pool stages with a very buoyant Ireland in their way. That’s what canny coaches do; they find an edge.”
Photo: EPA/KIM LUDBROOK
Visit our Facebook page and Predict the correct score of the Rugby Championship clash between the Springboks and Wallabies at Loftus and you will win R5000!
*You must be registered on the https://t.co/R5hJmsklIg website.
*Predictions must be made before kickoff. pic.twitter.com/1USShG02Ca— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) July 7, 2023