Hougaard always has something in reserve

Francois Hougaard knows his place: it's on the bench.

The versatile Bok has done duty on the wing and at scrumhalf, his preferred position, usually coming on as a substitute.

Two players who regularly get the nod ahead of him are scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and wing Bryan Habana - and Hougaard is cool with that.

"Fourie fully deserves a start," he said of the Bok No9, who has lately not been at the top of his game, with some suggestions that Hougaard should be first choice.

"He's one of the main players in our squad. He's the guy who knows the game the best."

As for Habana, "if they choose Bryan I'm not going to get negative", Hougaard said.

"Bryan deserves to play and is one of the best wingers in the world."

He admitted that he's eager to get a starting role, but is philosophical: "That will come with time."

But he is ready to serve the team in any way that he is needed.

"I stay focused. An accident can happen at any time. You have to be ready," he said.