Springbok scrum half Ricky Januarie is a man on a mission as he tries to fill the boots of the man he battled during last summer’s British & Irish Lions tour during his brief stay with the Ospreys.
Less than a year ago the Stormers scrum half was studying Mike Phillips in order to try to get the better of him in the Test series. Now he is head down in the Ospreysplay book looking to take over Phillips’ role at the Welsh region as they bid to finally fulfil their obvious potential.
Januarie was airlifted into the frozen north from his South African summer break at incredibly short notice when the Ospreys lost their fourth scrum half. His short-term appointment has one main aim – to steer his new side into the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.
“My mission is to set the Ospreys on their way into the knock-out phase of the Heineken Cup before heading back home to play for the Stormers,” he said.
“It is a very competitive rugby environment and, with the quality of players they have in the squad at the Ospreys, it is almost the same as being at home. The one difference has been the weather.
“I’m used to summer at this time of year and when I left Cape Town it was 31 degrees. My wife and kids have enjoyed seeing the snow, but the temperature has dropped to -6 degrees and lower.”
Having been pressed into emergency service in the Heineken Cup clash in Italy against Viadana only a few days after arriving in the country, Januarie emerged with flying colours as he scored a try in a 62-7 romp.
There was another bonus point win over the Italians a week later and the 40-times capped scrum half enhanced his reputation by then helping to steer the Ospreys temporarily to the top of the Magners League with vital wins over the Scarlets and Blues.
“Its been pretty easy to fit in because I know a few of the players through Super 14 and Tri Nations experience, Jerry Collins, Marty Holah and Jamie Nutbrown, and the style of game the Ospreys play is similar to the Stormers,” said Januarie.
“I know that Mike Phillips is a great player and I’ve had firsthand experience of playing against him for Wales and the Lions. I’m feeling some big shoes, but then that has always been the case in South Africa with Fourie du Preez on the scene.
“I’m just relishing every challenge I’m getting. I’m not trying to be a big star, I’m just playing my normal game.
“I know how big the Heineken Cup is to the teams in this part of the world. We have to play ASM Clermont Auvergne this weekend and it is going to be a crucial game for us.
“They are a top team who have just moved into first place in France’s Top 14, so it is going to be a very big match. But it suits me playing games at this time of year because it means when I go back to the Stormers at the end of the month I will be battled hardened for the season ahead.”
