Johan Goosen is delighted to be back in the green and gold and says although Thursday’s match against Munster at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork is going to be a tough test for the South Africa ‘A’ team, he relished every second of being able to represent the side.
Goosen will start in a halfback pairing with Rugby World Cup-winning scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies in a team that features 14 Springboks and a handful of exciting young players, which is expected to set the scene for a thrilling encounter.
“It doesn’t matter in what form of green and gold one plays in,” said Goosen, who boasts 13 Test caps, the last of which he won six years ago on 26 November 2024 against Wales in Cardiff.
“It could be the SA Schools team or SA ‘A’ team, it’s always an honour to play for this badge. Hopefully we have a good game on Thursday and make the country proud.”
Goosen spoke highly of his team and was excited to see what they could dish up against Munster, saying: “There was a lot of travel to get here, but I’m excited to play with this bunch of guys. This is a great opportunity for the players. They are a great group, and they are very talented.
“It’s going to be a big match against Munster, and the first 20 minutes will be tight, so it will be important to stay in the fight, and hopefully we’ll be able to see the young players express themselves.
“The Vodacom Bulls played against them a few weeks ago in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, so some of us have had a taste of what to expect from them in this match.”
With a serious knee injury in the last year denying Goosen from possibly being called up to the Springbok squad, the experienced flyhalf – who can also play fullback – admitted that he had not given up on that dream.
“I was out for the last 11 or 12 months with a knee injury and it was challenging for me both mentally and physically,” said Goosen.
“But mentally I’m now in a good place and my mindset is right. I have a passion for the Springboks and playing for the team, but I also understand that things are not necessarily going to come right in one game. That said I’m very happy to be here, and that is the most important thing to me.”
Goosen also had advice for young players who receive an opportunity to play for the Springboks, saying: “The big thing for young players getting an opportunity to play in the green and gold is to enjoy it and soak up every moment.”
