Landmark Test for De Villiers

10 September 2014 - 02:05 By Liam del Carme in Wellington
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Friend and foe alike have good words for Springbok captain Jean de Villiers ahead of his 100th Test to be played against New Zealand on Saturday.

His passing, defence, vision and leadership qualities are hailed - and he is widely respected by his contemporaries for the spirit in which he plays the game and for being a consummate professional. The demands he places on others never exceed those on himself and he has a human touch that transcends even the most enduring rugby rivalry.

"There aren't many players I respect more for the player he is, but also off the field. He is probably the first player I really struck up a relationship with," said his great adversary, Conrad Smith.

"After games he'd always come up to have a word with me. He is one of the nicer guys you get to play against. To see him play 100 games is huge. I just wish he was playing against someone else because I'd wish him to win," the All Blacks centre said graciously.

Smith said that for midfielders to have the longevity De Villiers has enjoyed they have to be versatile.

"He is a big guy. His physicality is really strong, he uses his feet and passing game, which are massive attributes. I think that is how he survives as a midfielder because, if you are a one-trick pony, you get found out pretty quick.

"He is skilled and passionate. Players enjoy a captain who puts his body on the line. He cares about the teams he plays for."

Fellow centurion Keven Mealamu said he has always seen De Villiers as a strong leader.

"He has always been a great player but when you meet the man off the field he is such a gentleman and a great man," he said.

However, Smith had a word of caution: "The Springboks must be careful not to invest too much emotionally in the landmark."

Mealamu warned: "You try to keep it as normal as possible but there's always people bringing it up. Then you think about what it took to get there. Nothing should change. Go about your business as usual."

"I don't think so," said De Villiers, when asked if this week was different.

"After you've done it 99 times you know what to expect. Obviously, there will be emotion. My wife is coming to the game and my dad. That will be pretty special."

The significance of playing top-ranked New Zealand is not lost on him.

"Growing up as a big Western Province supporter, my dad being a former WP player and being a purist when it comes to rugby, the ultimate challenge was to play against the All Blacks. I was fortunate enough to play my 50th against them in Durban and my 100th against them is pretty special. In my first game against the All Blacks I scored in the first 27 seconds. We lost that game thanks to a late try by Dougie Howlett.

"A lot of times we look at age and not performance. If you are good enough, you're old and young enough. I'm not asking for anything special. All I want is for the team to perform on Saturday."

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