Embrose relishing Handré reunion

Embrose Papier says linking up with Handré Pollard again at Test level is a special opportunity as the Vodacom Bulls teammates prepare to steer the Springboks against Scotland.

Papier has been handed his first Test start since facing Wales in Cardiff in November 2018 after Bok coach Rassie Erasmus overhauled his side for the second round of the Nations Championship.

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The SA URC Player of the Year said playing alongside Pollard again is a welcome boost, although he knows the challenge of wearing the green and gold is unlike anything else.

“We all know Handré has a lot of experience. We’ve spent a lot of time together on the pitch and I’m just really excited to go into this game with him.

“But we know it’s going to be a challenge for us. It’s a different calling in the Springbok environment, and we’ve just got to pitch up and just give our all on the day.”

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Papier said his return to the starting team is the reward for continued hard work, but stressed that earning another opportunity is only the beginning.

“It’s exciting to be back, but I still need to grow and work hard to earn my place here.

“But it’s all about putting the team first. It’s about helping to prep the guys and if you get to play, just to give your all.”

Springbok team vs Wales, 24 November 2018: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Cheslin Kolbe.

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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images