Rugby: Tyro Bok halfback champing at bit

Rookie Springbok halfback David von Hoesslin could barely contain his delight yesterday after being named in the starting line-up for the Tri-Nations test against the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday.

"This is something I have been waiting for all my life," he said.

"It is a great opportunity to show what I can do."

Von Hoesslin, who comes to New Zealand with a reputation as a lightning distributor, is one of six changes to a disorganised Springbok team humbled by Wales, 29-19, in Cardiff on their last outing.

The selection of von Hoesslin and first five-eighths Gaffie du Toit is one of the major talking points, but the halfback is not worried.

Van Hoesslin, aged 24, has studied videos of New Zealand's recent games, and carefully watched the play of his opposite, Justin Marshall.

"He is just coming back to form. He is big, he is strong, and he provides a great service. He will be the best halfback I have ever played against. But I am not thinking about competing against him - I am playing against a team," Van Hoesslin said.

The personable South African tips the scales at 85kg and stands just 1.72m but what he lacks in stature he more than makes up for with speed.

"I am short, but I am quick," he said.

He was originally considered the backup halfback for Werner Swanepoel, who in turn was standing in for the injured Joost van der Westhuizen.

But Swanepoel was a victim of the fallout from the Welsh disaster, providing von Hoesslin with his big chance.

He readily acknowledges the huge responsibility he has behind the Springbok scrum, but could not be happier that his Griqualand West team-mate, du Toit, will be running shotgun outside him at first five-eighths.

He said: "We have been playing together for four years.

"I would rather have him outside me than any other player I could think of."

Von Hoesslin and du Toit were partners in the Cats' last two Super 12 games this season and made a strong impact. Saturday will be much tougher, but von Hoesslin is not losing any sleep about it.

He thinks he is ready for the step up in intensity and he does have some test experience.

He played the last 10 minutes of the first test against Italy last month and was rewarded with a start in the second in Durban. He responded by scoring twice in the first half.

Swanepoel was back in charge for the Welsh test, until he was replaced by van Hoesslin for the final quarter, although it was too late to make a real difference. - NZPA