Delayed start to Test career ‘a blessing in disguise’ for Springbok late bloomer

Grant Williams will make his first-ever Test start against Argentina on Saturday and according to the Springbok scrumhalf this opportunity came at just the right time.

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Having made his Test debut in 2021, the 27-year-old Williams has earned three international caps — all off the bench — for the Springboks.

But his journey to the highest level has been somewhat unconventional. After a couple of stellar seasons for Paarl Gymnasium at schools level, Williams had to go the club rugby route post-matric because was overlooked by all the provincial franchises. And only after three years at College Rovers in Durban, was he scouted and recruited by the Sharks.

Things are different now. Having forced his way into the Springbok set-up, Williams will make his first-ever Test start for the Springboks and the nuggety scrumhalf is buzzing, to say the least.

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WILLIAMS JUST GRATEFUL FOR OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY

“It’s an awesome opportunity, first of all. I have had to wait my turn,” Williams said during the Springbok team announcement press conference on Tuesday. “Finally, I can go out there on Saturday and perform my role and hopefully help the team get a good result. That’s the most important thing.

“I played club rugby after school – in 2014 – I was at College Rovers in Durban. Perseverance is what I would say is the biggest thing that was installed in me. That’s what got me to this point. I am extremely grateful.”

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NO 9 READY TO IMPRESS SPRINGBOK SELECTORS

With the scrumhalf set to feature for the Springboks from the start when they take on Los Pumas, Williams will have the rare opportunity to convince selectors that he can manage a game from the outset by putting in a solid kicking game and illustrating his good decision-making.

“My first Bok camp was in 2021, but I think it was a blessing in disguise that I didn’t play that much so soon, because I wasn’t ready. Now, finally, I can say that I’m ready to play international rugby.

“For the first time, I feel fit and healthy. I had a lot of niggles and struggled with small things. It’s the first time that I’m playing fully fit, without any niggles, which is also a blessing for me.”

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