Combrinck hoping for dream Bok debut

Combrinck is on the bench for the second Test of the incoming series and provides utility backline cover for the Boks. After a stellar start to the Super Rugby season, it’s safe to say that Combrinck has been the best South African wing in the tournament.

With six tries to his name, confidence is high for the 26-year-old. His all-round play has been impeccable and he offers the luxury of being able to kick off both feet – all factors in his selection.

Having plied his trade at the Lions for a number of years, Combrinck has bided his time and honed his game. As such, he believes he's ready for the rigours of Test rugby.

“It is quite emotional but in the same sense, when you’ve been playing rugby non-stop for three years, played nearly every minute of every game, you get confidence. Confidence takes away a lot of the emotion because you are just so eager to play. When you have all that confidence, there is no fear in you so come what may you will be ready for it,” Combrinck said.

While his resolve suggests he won’t be overcome by the significance of the Test, Combrinck will have plenty of work to do when he takes the field. Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has Combrinck covering all of his outside backs, so he could play outside centre, wing or fullback.

With his broad skill-set, Combrinck was jovial about the upcoming challenge.

“At the Lions I have been the fullback option most of the time, especially when we are in our half. Having Elton as a left-footer, as well as Andries Coetzee, I was the right-foot option and the attacking option from there. I’m fine; I’ll catch a cannon-ball for my country, they can put me at prop – I’ll be fine,” the Lions star joked.

If anything, Combrinck’s debut will be made easier by familiar surrounds. Ellis Park is his stomping ground and he had hoped that he’d play his first Test at the historic stadium.

“If it was next week, in New Zealand or Wales or where ever but at Ellis Park, the ground you’ve become used to, it’s going to mean so much more. I don’t why, but I’ve had this vision in my mind that if I was selected, imagine what it would be like running out at Ellis Park, in front of 60 000 people.

“It’s your home ground, you’re full of confidence so it’s a mind blowing picture that I’ve had and it will definitely mean so much more,” Combrinck said.

Alongside Combrinck, Lions lock Franco Mostert could also make his debut while Bongi Mbonambi will hope to earn his first cap, after he was unused off the bench in last week’s Test.

Kickoff is at 17h00.

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