Blue Bulls centre Wayne Julies has flown out to France to replace injured Bok centre Jean de Villiers at the Rugby World Cup.
De Villiers flew home to undergo surgery on a torn bicep muscle suffered during Sunday’s Bok victory over Samoa.
Julies – capped ten times for the Springboks – was delighted to get the call.
“It was unbelievable to hear the news that I’d be heading to France,” said the centre.
“Every player who has ever pulled on a Bok shirt has dreamt about representing his country at a World Cup, but being part of this squad is something special.
“There’s a vibe about it that separates it from any other Bok squad I’ve been involved in and anyone who has been part of that briefly wants another taste.â€
“My goal is to establish myself as the first choice 12. Why would you play if you didn’t want to start every Test?
“But I understand that Jake has his set plans and while I’ll be looking to push hard for a start, I’m there to serve the Boks and not the other way around,†concluded Julies.
After a superb S14 Julies looked to have the inside lane but Meisiekind was inexplicably preferred despite his poor form. Good to see WJ back in the squad.