What's good for the Goose

Johan Goosen could come into reckoning as a starting Springbok fullback against Italy this weekend, with Willie le Roux under a fractured cheekbone injury cloud after Saturday's victory over England.

Goosen, who has played a handful of games for Racing Metro at fullback this season, is raring for a chance against the Azzuri. He will probably still play some part in the match even ifLe Roux is fit.

"I only need one shot again. If I get it on this tour I'll be in the Bok set-up for a long time," Goosen said.

"I'm realistic. Pat [Lambie], Handré [Pollard] and Willie [le Roux] are all playing excellent rugby so I know where I stand, but when the chance comes I'll be ready.

"I've been doing a lot of speed training in France and, despite the injuries, I'm quicker than I've ever been.

"We work on speed training and agility skills and I'm definitely a better athlete. At the Cheetahs I hardly did any gym, but at Racing it's massively professional. Their facilities are out of this world."

Goosen, 22, was so plagued by injuries that he left South Africa for France to ensure he could make some money before his body finally gave in. But his fitness and form have been so good in Paris that he has had a new lease on life.

And now his Springbok chance might come. He'll only have one shot as next week he returns to his club because the match against Wales falls out of the prescribed Test window.

"I've been playing well for Racing Metro, but if I'm honest I'm lucky to be here," Goosen said.

"I don't know if I was pushed too hard early on because everyone thinks they're ready. Injuries set me back, which is part of life and of the game.

"Mentally those injuries were extremely difficult. People think it is a simple case of doing rehab and coming back.

"I'm just happy to be able to be part of the squad again when I'm 100% fit, which is something that hardly ever happened in the past."

Backline coach Ricardo Loubscher praised Goosen's attitude in training on tour and expected he would add value if selected.

"Johan has been great and his commitment in training has been good," Loubscher said. "He had a great session with the 'dirties' [dirt-trackers] last Friday and he is ready.

"We won't change our approach even though Willie is such a special player, because 'Goose' is also a world-class player.

"He has a great kicking game and is also a very attacking player. He has to work on his defence."