INTERNATIONAL RUGBY
Ellis Park factor played a part, says Faf de Klerk
Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk praised the Ellis Park factor in the home team’s stunning comeback to win the first Test against England on Saturday — but he could not pinpoint exactly what it was. England coach Eddie Jones was also stumped when asked if the Boks would have come back from 24-3 down inside 20 minutes at any other venue in the world. "That’s a good question, mate. I’ll have to sleep on that one and come back to you‚" Jones said after the home team rallied to win 42-39 to take first blood in the three-Test series. De Klerk‚ who was part of the Lions set-up for three seasons before joining Sale in England‚ made a triumphant return to Test rugby after a year in the wilderness. His speed at clearing rucks‚ his vision and his much-improved kicking game were some of the major factors for the turnaround. Jones described him as a "buzzsaw".
"To get a win in a Bok jersey is special and to do it against England is more special‚" De Klerk said. "Coming back from that defi...
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