Back in Green and Gold: Jean Kleyn embracing Bok opportunity in Cardiff

Kleyn admitted he was delighted to be back in the team but warned that Wales would be "dangerous" a prospect when the teams meet in Cardiff in what will be the Springboks' last match of 2024.

Kleyn was called up to the squad as a replacement for Ruan Nortje, who suffered a leg injury before the first match against Scotland in Edinburgh, and he admitted that with the depth at lock in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' squad, it was important to grab this opportunity with both hands.

"It's been amazing to be back in the squad," said Kleyn, who spent a large chunk of the season on the sidelines with an injury.

"Personally, it's about slowly getting back into it, and I'm glad to get this opportunity. It's been good getting feedback from the coaches, but from a team perspective it's mostly the same group of guys who all want to work hard and do well for the country."

Kleyn expected a massive onslaught from Wales, who went down 52-20 against Australia last week, but he said that would charge the hosts up even more going into the match.

"I think we can expect desperation from them," said Kleyn.

"A dog in the corner is always dangerous, so we're definitely preparing for a big fight, especially in the first 20 minutes.

"They are going to come out with a lot of emotion, so it's going to tough, but we have plans in place to deal with their threats, and we've been working on areas that could make us a little more threatening."

The physical second rower added: "They're a team with a lot of youngsters who want to prove a point, and particularly since it's the last game of the season and they are now 11 down, so they'd definitely love to finish the season by beating world champions."

Kleyn complimented Erasmus and the coaches for the depth they've developed in the lock position over the last few seasons: "I've been looking in from the outside all year, and that's probably been the one position where there have been a few injuries, and the players that stepped in did remarkably well.

"A player like Ruan (Nortje) stepped in and really made his mark. Obviously, the more depth we have, the better it is for the team. Adding to that, it certainly makes opportunities like Saturday important, because when you get a chance to play, you have to go out there and remind the coaches of what you can do.

"That said, it's not just about trying to cement your own place in the team, it's about the entire squad performing well for South Africa and working well for the team.

"The big thing is that we all work toward a common goal, and that's representing South Africa and making the country proud."

Kleyn was excited about the opportunity to work with the new additions to the Springbok coaching team in Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown.

"I know Jerry from Munster, where he also worked with Rassie at a point, and Tony is a good guy and coach, and he has a nice open mindset when it comes to attack," he said. "The boys are playing exciting rugby at the moment, so I'm glad to be part of it."

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