Before Rynhard Elstadt left for France in 2017, he was dubbed Fizzy by Cape Town’s media.
That’s because he once said he likes to get “fizzy” in matches.
He meant to say physical in one of his press conferences, but the media can be unforgiving at times and he was nicknamed on the spot.
Anyway, his Fizzy-ness was clear for all to see during his stint at the Stormers where he debuted in 2011.
Elstadt was in the Bakkies Botha mould, the sort of guy you don’t want to fly into the contest at ruck time when you are trying to take out the ball.
He is indeed physical.
SIMILARITIES: Legendary Springbok Bakkies Botha. Photo: Ian Landsberg.
But he is no one-trick pony and says playing in France helped him evolve his game.
The 29-year-old, who plies his trade at Toulouse, says: “The rugby in the northern hemisphere is totally different to the rugby we’re playing in the southern hemisphere.
“My rugby has evolved.
“[But] nothing has changed [in terms of my physicality].
“I probably calmed down a bit, playing more towards the ball.
“I have matured in France and would like to show what I can do on Saturday.”
EXPERIMENTING: Boss Rassie Erasmus. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix.
Elstadt will make his Springbok debut against Australia at Ellis Park at 5.05pm on Saturday.
He will pack down next to Francois Louw at No.8 and Pieter-Steph du Toit at No.7, while he will be wearing the No.6 jumper.
That jersey is borrowed from injured skipper Siya Kolisi and is usually reserved for fetchers.
According to coach Rassie Erasmus, the Boks will play left and right flankers, meaning they won’t switch to the open and blind sides.
Elstadt is comfortable either way.
PARTNER IN CRIME: "Loosie' Pieter-Steph du Toit. Photo: Kim Ludbrook/EPA.
Despite the rugby in France being slower than that played in Super Rugby, he believes the pace will not be a problem, saying: “The pace is slower in France, but I’m used to working hard.
“That’s why South Africans are doing so well over there - we are known for our hard work.”
Elstadt is one of two run-on debutants, the other being No.9 Herschel Jantjies.