Stormers flank Paul de Villiers has the breakdown in his DNA. Having grown up watching Heinrich Brüssow dismantle opposition packs, the 23-year-old turnover specialist is now soaking up wisdom from Siya Kolisi in the Springbok setup. Photo: Mike Greenaway Independent Media
Paul de Villiers was at primary school in George when Springbok Heinrich Brüssow was blowing away the British and Irish Lions at the breakdown during the 2009 series, and he liked what he saw.
The stocky De Villiers has the same dimensions as Brüssow in his prime (1.80m, 99kg), and he admits he modelled much of his game on the brilliant Free State fetcher.
“It is hard to single out guys, but yes, I watched a lot of Brüssow’s rugby, and I definitely learned from how he tackled the breakdown,” said De Villiers.
The 23-year-old was speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg on Monday. The Stormers flank is poised to play either for the SA 'A' team against Zimbabwe or the Springboks against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday.
