LIKE millions of boys growing up in South Africa, Josh Strauss dreamed of playing for the Springboks. On Saturday, he will play against them.
Being placed in such a situation would result in emotional turmoil for some players, as thoughts of disloyalty to their compatriots came into their minds. But Strauss is sure he will be able to take it in his stride: partly because of his level-headed temperament; partly too, perhaps, because such switches of allegiance are increasingly common in international rugby; yet most significantly because he has settled into life in Scotland and is willing to fight for his team-mates and his adoptive country.
“Anyone who plays rugby dreams of playing at the highest level and at the time that was the option and it didn’t happen,” the 28-year-old said yesterday when asked about his time with a Springboks training camp - the closest he came to fulfilling his original ambition of representing his native South Africa. “Unfortunately it didn’t happen, but it’s all worked out well.
“It was a good experience and it was back in 2012. It was more about planning - it wasn’t the final squad.
“Not being part of the final squad didn’t influence my decision to come to Scotland. I was with the Lions at the time and they were kicked out of Super Rugby, which pretty much meant the end of my contract. It was either move somewhere else in South Africa or or head overseas.”
So it was that in the summer of 2012 Strauss headed to Glasgow - just in time, as it would transpire, to complete the three-year residency period that has made him eligible to turn out for Scotland at this World Cup. Having had a lot of time to get used to his new life with the Warriors, he is sure he will not feel conflicted at all when he lines up men who he used to see as his rivals for a place in the Springboks team.
“It won’t be any different, other than playing one of the best teams in the world. That’s what they are, and they’ve been there for all of those years, so it’s a massive match.
“I haven’t thought about the emotions. I’ll be no different than playing any other game. I was far more emotional playing my first test. I haven’t thought too much about it, but I don’t see it being any different than just playing in a very big game.
“Everything in life happens for a reason - I’m a firm believer in that. I’ve loved my time in Scotland and everyone has been great. I’ve been really proud of the things I’ve achieved and I wouldn’t wish it any other way.
“When I had to sing the national anthem before my first Test it was more about nerves. You have to sing it in front of the whole squad and there are a few little Scottish words in there which you tend to forget when you’re under pressure.
“There were huge nerves doing it for the first time, but it was also a very proud moment. But I didn’t really think about that - it was more about trying to get things right, but when I stood there it was a very proud and emotional moment.”
The other vital element in Strauss’ ability to face the Springboks with serenity is the support of his family, who will be at St James’ Park for the Pool B game. They may be South Africa supporters for much of the time, but when he is playing for Scotland they are wholly behind him.
“They just support me, to be honest,” he added. “Obviously your family plays a big role in your support system and my family have been great, all through school and everything. They’ve been there every step of the way, so they will be there in full force – and in blue.”
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