Through a crowded hotel lobby he seems to appear from nowhere. Yet it's difficult to miss Elton Jantjies. The shorts, tight t-shirt, white cap and tattoos set him apart from the prevailing winter colours.
He seems to be in character, unhurried, engaging, even occasionally referring to himself in the third person.
After starting all the tests this season, Jantjies earlier in the day had been demoted to the bench for the clash against France.
It seems the furthest thing from his mind as he talks about life, love, ambition and self-improvement. There is no time for sulking. He's a senior player now, so it's chin up.
His fortunes, however, have been inextricably linked to those of the team. This week he believes he had to take a step back in order to go forward.
Stamping his authority on the test arena has proved tough. Jantjies doesn't have the freedom he enjoys in Super Rugby, where he operates much closer to the gainline. He can't tease defences from 10m back.
"The rugby fundamentals are the same. You're still in a decision-making position," he says, comparing Super Rugby to tests.
"Test rugby is more structured and you get a lot less opportunity. You get two or three opportunities, and if you don't take it you lose the test. So you require patience.
"You have to be open-minded and approachable. You don't always see the right picture so you have to be willing to listen.
"My relationship with the immediate players around me is important. I must get them excited and they must enjoy playing with me. As a leader you should always put your teammates ahead of yourself."
Off the field too he values those around him.
"My mom is always there, although I don't see her a lot because she lives in Pretoria. My father played a big part in my life. It is something I lived off every day of my life. He was a good example for me in rugby and in life. A role model.
"My missus as well. She is going through a lot. I want to become a better other half and a better father as well. That gives me motivation.
"After my dad passed away I just took it upon myself. No one will take that spot. I got closure a few years ago. I had to become my own person. I had to decide what kind of father, husband and rugby player I want to become.
"I look after my brother and make sure he's on track and supporting my mom and family members. I took on that father role. I think my father laid a good foundation when it comes to discipline."
He speaks fondly of Springbok team manager Ian Schwartz, stressing: "My support structure is in place. I just need to produce on the field."
Performing is what he craves. He needs the game as much as the game needs players like him.
"I don't think I will be able to leave the game. Rugby makes a huge difference in people's lives. You can learn a lot from rugby. You get setbacks, your character gets tested. Your loyalty gets tested. Only you know if you've done your best. It's about honesty and integrity. There is a set of values that rugby gives you. I think rugby teaches you to become a better person.
"As a person, ya, rugby can define Elton. Given what I've been through and how I've been tested in my life, losing my father and going through that, this is what I live for.
"This is what I dedicated my life to."..