Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote says much-hyped centre Markus Muller has his feet firmly on the ground.
The Junior Boks assembled in Stellenbosch last Saturday and have already been put through their paces, playing warm-up fixtures against UCT and Maties.
The training squad is packed with young talent, including several players fresh out of school. One name, however, has dominated discussion: Markus Muller. The teenage prodigy has been widely tipped for higher honours, prompting debate over how far – and how fast – he can go.
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Foote believes the potential runs deeper than just one player.
“I do see Springbok prospects here,” he told SportsBoom.co.za. “Although the Springboks is such a massive step up, these players have done everything they can at their age-group level to put themselves in a position to go further in their careers.”
“Our job is to enhance their development so they can take the next step. There is Markus, Ethan Adams, AJ Meyer, I mean, there is so much talent here.”
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Foote is well aware of the pitfalls that have caught many schoolboy stars before them.
“That’s the hard thing for these guys. There’s social media and a lot of pressure on this guy. The reality is, he’s on everyone’s highlight reel, but I think he’s got his feet firmly on the ground.
“We obviously want to keep building him. He just wants to play well. If he keeps playing well, he probably deserves the hype, but I think Markus is more focused on doing his job for the team.”
Foote says the standard coming out of the school system continues to rise, aided by platforms such as Craven Week and the inbound U18 International Series.
“There is unbelievable talent coming through from the high schools,” he said. “For us, it’s about explaining Test-match rugby to them. The guys who have been in the squad are setting a great example, and the new players don’t feel intimidated. That allows them to express themselves.”
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One player still under consideration is Luan Giliomee, currently on Blitzboks duty in Singapore.
“Let’s see how he goes with the sevens,” Foote said. “I think his development there will be great. We could use him if Alzeadon Felix doesn’t come right — he can cover at flyhalf. I’ll touch base with him over the next two weeks.”
Foote also addressed the growing trend of young South Africans heading overseas, with Josh Neill the latest to switch allegiance.
“The reality is there’s a lot of competition in South African rugby right now,” he said. “Rassie [Erasmus] and the Springboks have set the tone, the Springbok Women are doing well, and the Blitzboks too.
“There’s so much talent – some guys feel there may be better opportunities elsewhere. We can never hold that against them. I heard Josh started really well for Ireland and good luck to him.
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“We can only take 30 players to a World Cup. If guys decide to leave, all the best. If they stay, good luck to them too – as long as everyone gets a fair opportunity.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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