Springbok flanker Paul de Villiers put in a shift during the Nations Championship. The Stormers loose-forward announced himself on the Test stage with a series of standout performances in the absence of Siya Kolisi.
As the Springboks count down to their highly anticipated Test series against the All Blacks, head coach Rassie Erasmus faces a tricky selection headache.
Captain Siya Kolisi is once again a major doubt after suffering a recurring hamstring injury just 24 minutes into his return against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
While Erasmus remains optimistic that the setback is not severe, the reality of a short turnaround means the coaching staff must prepare contingency plans for their back-row combination and bench composition.
Should Kolisi be ruled out, Stormers standout Paul de Villiers appears the most logical candidate to step into the starting open-side flanker role. De Villiers enjoyed a sensational international debut campaign during the July Nations Championship, proving a key turnover threat and dynamic carrier while Kolisi was sidelined.
