Kurt-Lee Arendse embraces healthy competition in the Springbok squad

Having strong competition in the Springbok squad gives players that wake-up call at times when they think they can rest on their laurels when running out for the national side.

That is why Bok winger Kurt-Lee Arendse is happy to see the depth in the squad, especially at winger, and the healthy competition emanating from within to keep the world champions strong.

Arendse, who scored a try in the first Test against Italy, is back in the side after sitting out the second clash, where newcomer Edwill van der Merwe took his chance with both hands. Van der Merwe, who will partner Arendse against Georgia this weekend in Nelspruit (5.10pm kick-off), bagged a brace in the second Test.

Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi are the other wingers currently in the Springbok fold, while a few youngsters are also knocking on the door.

Arendse has impressed in his 25 caps so far. The speedster has amassed 95 points and is set to continue his try-scoring feat against the Georgians this weekend. He needs two more tries to break into the Top 10 all-time try-scoring lists.

According to Arendse, having that competition within the team environment is what drives him to keep performing when called upon.

“There is maybe a stage in your career where you get comfortable, and there are other guys coming through and they put their hand up. You receive a wake-up call that others also aspire to play for the Springboks,” Arendse said on Wednesday.

“It is good and healthy competition. That is what we need.

"There are even guys at the Junior Boks (Jaco Williams, Cheswill Jooste, Siya Ndlozi) putting their hand. It is good for South African rugby. When you get that opportunity, you want to put your best foot forward.

“However, you won’t have every day where you can do that. But that competition brings the best out of you.”

Arendse and Van der Merwe will combine with fullback Aphelele Fassi in the back-three, while Damian de Allende and Canan Moodie man the midfield. An exciting half-back pairing of Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will steer the attack.

That is a recipe for another exciting Springbok clash, but they will look to the forwards to lay them the platform as they did during the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha.

“It is always special to represent the country; it doesn’t matter who plays. I would not say there is pressure on us to perform, but we want to focus on setting our standard. We will not be underestimating Georgia.”