Spies is 'very, very hungry'
2008-07-17 22:02
Stephen Nell
Perth - Pierre Spies is hungry, "very, very hungry". The Springbok No 8 can't wait for another helping of Test rugby. And he believes his best rugby is yet to come.
Spies is back in the South African team for the Tri-Nations Test against Australia here on Saturday after some big disappointing times.
He missed the 2007 World Cup tournament because of clots on his lungs. And if that was not enough, he had to watch from the sidelines as his team-mates made history last week by recording South Africa's first Test victory in Dunedin.
"Look, it's nice, but you share that happiness only up to a point because you did not play," Spies said here on Thursday.
"It was a treat to be part of the squad and to share in a victory in New Zealand. It does not happen often; I'll remember that forever.
"You can't do anything about it if you're not selected. It's out of your control. I believe my best rugby still lies ahead.
"The fact that I missed the World Cup tournament and was not included in the 22 for the two matches in New Zealand was merely another step to make me a stronger and better player.
Deployed as an impact player
"Inasmuch as I wanted to play, I knew the coach had a plan; he was working with different combinations. It's something you have to accept," Spies said.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers revealed on Thursday that he had always planned to let Spies loose against Australia.
Ryan Kankowski, on form the best No 8 in the recent Super 14 competition, will probably be deployed as an impact player at the Subiaco Oval on Saturday.
Spies made it clear that he does not want to be regarded as a player who only does well in dry conditions on hard grounds.
"I don't believe in "horses for courses". There may be a perception that I play better in dry weather but conditions make no difference to me," he said.
"The coach expects certain things from every player. I am expected to carry the ball effectively and to provide momentum. Loose forwards want to carry the ball and be a link between the tight forwards and the backs."
Wycliff Palu, Spies's opposite number on Saturday, is a key player in the Australian team because of his ability to get the Wallabies over the advantage line. The two are likely to produce an interesting duel.
"Palu is a good player; strong on the attack and defence," Spies said. "The Wallabies are a balanced team and they'll be a real test for us on their home ground.
"It will be a wonderful victory if we can achieve it. Two wins on tour will put us in a really strong position; a good position from which to work for our home matches."