Salute to Jean the gentleman
IN CAPE HENEVER Jean de Villiers walks into a room, he lights it up with his engaging smile and down-to-earth personality.
Even in the toughest of situations or when faced with a difficult question, he is able to see the lighter side of life, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a competitive fire burning within him.
Having survived numerous serious injuries in his senior first-class career that started in 2001, the 33year-old De Villiers has overcome the odds to be captain of the Springboks and Stormers. And he will make it all the way to 100 Super Rugby caps in tomorrow’s clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton, the second Stormers player to do so after Andries Bekker last year.
The DFA’s sister paper the Cape Times spoke to some important figures in De Villiers’ career on what they thought of the man and his achievement.
Breyton Paulse (former WP, Stormers and Bok teammate):
“It’s obviously a big milestone. Jean is one of the gentlemen of the game. It doesn’t matter for which team you play anywhere in the world, for the average fan, he is an absolutely outstanding ambassador for the game and is not just that gifted player.
“I had the privilege of playing with Jean for a good few years, and he’s always had that quality of accommodating other people’s issues or things like that. That is why he has become such a good leader, and it’s a pity he wasn’t made the (Stormers) captain earlier, as who knows how things would’ve turned out then.
“He has unbelievable human qualities, and he has a calmness around him that creates a very good vibe. That for me was always noticeable of Jean, off the field too – how well he dealt with situations. For me, Jean de Villiers is an absolute gentleman of the game.
Jean has an unbelievable feel for the game, a guy who always goes for the intercept. He has a good instinct and can read the game well. You must be able to read an intercept, otherwise the other team will score if you miss the ball. And Jean intercepted in many games that I played with him.
And that moment in 2004, when Marius Joubert scored those three tries against the All Blacks, I was on the one wing and Jean was the other wing, and De Wet Barry was the
Wother centre. When Jouba got his third, it was Jean who went to him and they counted “one, two, three”. That’s Jean. He is someone who gives everything on the field and he enjoys it out there.
“But I would like to emphasise the fact that he is a likeable guy, a great ambassador and a valuable asset for the game. And he is still in good form. He will have to manage himself over the next year or so for the World Cup, but he is an intelligent man and they will know how to look after him.”
Gcobani Bobo (played with De Villiers in Stormers midfield in 2008 and 2009):
“I remember sharing one of not the best things to share I guess – in 2003, we both got injured. Jean came in and replaced me for the 2003 World Cup and we travelled to Perth together, and that’s when we really started to have quite a bond ... and understanding and sharing the same trials and tribulations of injuries.
“I played with him when I moved down to the Stormers, and having a situation where we had to be thoroughly honest with each other as on attack I played at outside centre, and on defence on the inside centre. I’ve always admired Jean as a player. What he’s done for Western Province and Stormers rugby, it’s incomparable. The man left for Munster, but came back and gave one of his better seasons over the years.
“And to think that he was a Springbok before he even played for the Stormers. He is now the Player of the Year and seems to be getting better as the years roll on. It was an honour and a privilege to play with someone like that.
“On the field, Jean will probably say himself that he is a man of few words, but his actions speak louder. He’s one of those lucky players who I would say is naturally gifted and can play in any position, and his deceptive pace has always caught people by surprise. His anticipation for the gap is also very good.
“He is one of those guys who is a joker and a big fun guy, and he gives a lot back to the team. He is not the kind of guy who would be smashing people’s heads against the wall if they did something wrong, and is the first one to compliment if things go well.
“For someone who has held Stormers and WP rugby in such high regard, he is someone who deserves it. So, congrats to him.”
Heyneke Meyer (appointed De Villiers as Springbok captain):
“Jean is an amazing ambassador for South African rugby at all levels of the game and it’s a wonderful achievement to reach 100 Super Rugby caps.
“Since I first started working with him, I’ve been struck by his work ethic, great understanding of the game and amazing sincerity on the field and off it. The decision to appoint him Springbok captain was one that I didn’t take lightly and I really think it has worked out extremely well – he’s been superb.
“I’ve followed his career since his Under-19 and Under-21 days playing for WP and South Africa, as well as at senior level in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby, and one thing that has struck me is how much Jean enjoys his rugby.
“He is obviously very good at it as well – no player will survive for so long at the top if he wasn’t world-class – but he’s never been shy to work extra hard, and for that I have the utmost respect and appreciation.”
Ian Schwartz (Springbok team manager):
“We get complimented wherever we go across the world on what a great ambassador Jean is for South Africa – from opposing players and coaches, match officials and administrators.
“Jean is really the kind of player all South Africans can be proud of – he is on 96 Tests for the Boks and 99 Super Rugby caps, which is a magnificent achievement for a player who managed to overcome massive setbacks on his way to this momentous milestone.”