Last year Springbok coach Jake White ridiculed all those who dared to suggest his team was short of a fetcher – or openside flank – as he repeated fielded bulky loose forward combinations during international campaigns writes Jan de Koning for Rugby365.
We all remember White’s now infamous quote that “the only fetchers are my sons, because they fetch me beer on a Sunday”.
However, when the Boks go head-to-head with Samoa in a one-off test in Johannesburg on Saturday, White may well choke on that very statement.
Luke Watson, the man at the centre of the recent Bok team selection controversy, is determined to prove that he can add value to the national team as a fetcher.
He may have been forced upon White through political intervention, but the role that Watson will play and his presence in the team will be of great significance.
White has publicly stated his disapproval of Watson’s credentials and the player replied in kind by giving his view in a biting magazine interview.
The two have, for now, put aside their differences and on Saturday Watson will be the man trying to “fetch” glory for White’s Bok team.
Watson, in an interview with rugby365.com, said that he is relishing the opportunity to display his “fetching” skills.
“It’s special, it’s quite an opportunity, and a enjoyable one at that, to represent my country at the weekend,” Watson said about his test debut at Ellis Park this coming Saturday.
He also admits he doesn’t know too much about the opposition.
“I’ve seen some of the Samoans [playing for New Zealand franchises] in the Super 14 and we do know how a few of them play.
“However, the majority we are not sure what they will bring.
“Traditionally Samoa like to run the ball and play quite an expansive game. They are big, fast, strong and skilled guys.
“So if we manage to keep our structure, keep to our [game] plan and pattern, then it will be a very good day for us,” Watson said.
However, he is very excited about the prospect of playing in the number six jersey.
Unlike New Zealand, Australia and most other countries the openside flank in South Africa does not wear number seven, but number six.
“I’ll be playing a fetching role, hopefully attack the ball on the ground and attack the ball at the contact point,” Watson said of his role in the Bok team on Saturday.
Asked if he prefers to play a fetching role, as opposed to being a ball carrier, Watson was unequivocal about his choice.
“Yes, definitely, fetching is the role that I enjoy and one that I have enjoyed and a position I have experienced some success in the past,” Watson said.
“It’s going to be a nice opportunity for me to play at the weekend and a nice opportunity for me to experience test level rugby.”
Rate him or not (or in some cases, like him or not), the energetic openside flanker has his big chance and Saturday remains his only concern at this stage.
“I’m not even looking past Saturday,” stressed Watson, “I’m just taking it one game at a time; starting with Saturday. I need to concentrate on performing first… only then can I look to the next match.”