Rugby: Brussow poses big problems for All Blacks

Openside Heinrich Brussow played an influential role in South Africa's win over the All Blacks in Bloemfontein. Photo / Getty Images

DURBAN - He's short, he's polite and he's dangerous.

Among a sea of giant green jerseys, the Springboks' new flanker Heinrich Brussow looks well out of place, yet his diminutive frame is causing the All Blacks all manner of grief.

No longer do they plan for eight behemoths. Now it's seven behemoths and one very annoying openside.

The British and Irish Lions learned all about the Brussow effect last month as the 1.76m fetcher from Orange Free State scavenged and slowed ruck ball, while tackling anything that moved during the Springboks' series win.

There is talk now that the man he replaced, world class veteran Schalk Burger, will struggle to find a spot when he returns from an eight-week suspension for eye gouging.

In just his fifth test, Brussow was man of the match in last weekend's 28-19 Tri-Nations win in Bloemfontein, his city of birth and where he plies his trade for perennial Super 14 strugglers, the Cheetahs.

He helped ensure the All Blacks struggled for that most precious commodity - quick ball - while the highlight was a driving tackle on opposite Richie McCaw - the man he spent most of the buildup praising to the hilt.

It continued afterward, the baby-faced assassin quick to shrug off suggestions he had played an influential role in the defeat of South Africa's greatest rivals.

"Richie McCaw made life tough for us as well so I think it was frustrating both ways. It was a hard game and we did well to win it," Brussow said.

"I think they got frustrated with me but they also have great trucking. We were frustrated at times too with them."

Captain John Smit was more forthcoming about the 23-year-old, who shot to stardom just two years after first appearing for the national sevens team.

"He's been a phenomenal find of 2009," Smit said.

"He's making a big difference for us. He certainly is making life difficult for his opponents.

"I said it in the leadup to his first selection against the Lions, he's built for that role. Big fat guys play in the front row, the four foot two short guys get to steal ball."

The All Blacks played down the selection of Brussow last week, with forwards coach Steve Hansen believing the world champions would miss Burger's muscular influence.

Hansen's opinion has altered after the test.

"He was very good in the tackle area. He's got a fairly good support group around him," he said.

"They're a good pack and when you're a young fella and you come into a forward pack like that, it's a dream start.

"He's obviously got quite a lot of talent, no doubt about that."

Brussow was keen to celebrate the win but then switch his focus swiftly to the rematch at Durban on Sunday morning (NZT).

"Playing in front of your home crowd, against the All Blacks, and beating them, it's really amazing," he said.

"It's definitely a step up from any game I've played and I'd say the next one will be even harder."

- NZPA