Springboks: Breyton Paulse hails ‘magnificent’ Paul de Villiers after standout Nations campaign

Springbok great Breyton Paulse says rookie flanker Paul de Villiers was the outstanding performer in South Africa’s home Nations Championship matches against England, Scotland and Wales.

The former wing believes De Villiers seized an unexpected opportunity “so, so well” after being thrust into the starting line-up when captain Siya Kolisi was ruled out through injury.

Paulse also singled out debutants Vusi Moyo and Jaco Williams for special praise following South Africa’s convincing victory over Wales, insisting the young trio have shown they belong at Test level.

De Villiers ‘grabbed his opportunity’

De Villiers, a dynamic flanker, had initially been named on the bench for the clash with England before Kolisi’s setback saw him promoted to the run-on side for his first Test cap.

“For me, the guy who stood out was Paul de Villiers,” Paulse told KickOff Rugby.

“He only got his opportunity because of injury, but he’s been absolutely magnificent.

“I think he grabbed this opportunity so, so well.”

De Villiers went on to feature in South Africa’s home fixtures against Scotland and Wales, delivering high-energy performances that appear to have pushed him firmly into the Springbok back-row conversation ahead of the rest of the season.

Moyo and Williams shine on debut

While De Villiers has quickly made his mark in the green and gold, Paulse was equally encouraged by the impact of first-time caps Moyo and Williams in the win over Wales.

“I was also impressed with Vusi Moyo and Jaco Williams at the weekend against Wales,” Paulse said.

“It’s obviously not the strongest Wales team we’ve seen in years, but you’ve still got to go out and execute, and they did that so well.

“They looked the part, they looked at home, and nothing fazed them. That’s exactly what you want to see from young players.”

Fly-half Moyo, making his first Test appearance for the Springboks, produced a controlled, composed display that belied his inexperience.

He delivered a pinpoint cross-kick that resulted in a South African try, struck reliably from the kicking tee and controlled territory with an assured all-round kicking game.

Wing Williams, also on debut, capped his first outing with a try and posed a constant attacking threat, looking dangerous whenever he received the ball in space.

Springboks turn focus to Argentina and All Blacks

South Africa’s Nations Championship schedule on home soil has now concluded, with head coach Rassie Erasmus and his staff set to assess how the new faces have performed under Test pressure.

The Springboks will next take on Argentina in a one-off Test in Buenos Aires on 8 August, a key fixture in their build-up to the “Greatest Rivalry Series” against New Zealand in mid-August.

With De Villiers, Moyo and Williams all having enhanced their reputations in recent weeks, Erasmus appears to have fresh selection options as the world champions prepare for the intensity of clashes with the All Blacks.

The emergence of the trio could prove significant as South Africa look to manage injuries, evolve their squad and maintain depth in key positions ahead of a demanding international calendar.