Paul de Villiers embracing Springbok intensity as first cap beckons

The SA 'A' team will take the field against Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 12:00 on Saturday, which will be followed by the clash between the Springboks and Barbarians at 15:00.

De Villiers, a former Junior Springbok captain, was delighted to be part of the expanded national squad for the important encounters and said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in camp thus far.

"It's only been a week, but it's been awesome, and I've learned a lot," said the 23-year-old.

"We have great players in the squad, who we are all learning a lot from, so it's a perfect scenario. We also have good coaches who have been great at giving us advice."

Asked what the main differences for him personally have been between playing provincial rugby at the Stormers and being in the Springbok set-up, de Villiers noted the increase in intensity.

"I think the training standards have been a massive thing," he continued.

"You are competing against guys that also play for the Springboks, and all the players want to be here, so I think the intensity of the training sessions is one of the main differences."

Having been in red-hot form at ruck time all season and now being sent out to face the press in green and gold on Monday, it's likely de Villiers will be featuring on one of the matches on Saturday.

The flanker admitted that he was experiencing a mixture of nerves and excitement for the weekend, but he refused to look too far ahead.

"I wouldn't say the penny has dropped," said a circumspect de Villiers

"For me, the main thing will be to get the job done on the field, and I'm excited, although there are some nerves. The other stuff obviously comes after that, but that's not where the focus lies at this stage."

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and SA 'A' coach Mzwandile Stick will announce their squads for the match on Tuesday.