EG Jansen graduate Xander to hone his flyhalf skills at the Lions
In the United States of America, it is the quarterback and point guard who facilitate play in two of the country’s biggest sports, football and basketball respectively.
Because these players dictate the traffic and tempo in games, the spotlight is automatically drawn to them and with that comes a lot of pressure to deliver.
To play in these positions requires one to be a general, and one’s ability to handle pressure goes a long way towards success.
In rugby, that position is the flyhalf spot, and Xander Crause, fresh from graduating from EG Jansen, will be tested at just how well he can balance his talent and mental strength to deal with fan pressure as he begins his new adventure with Johannesburg outfit, the Emirates Golden Lions.
Xander has emerged as another rugby star from Boksburg to have been captured by a giant franchise, following in the footsteps of his captain in high school rugby, Hendre Stassen, who was signed by the Vodacom Blue Bulls.
As with Stassen, Xander put pen to paper in a two-year deal with the Lions’ u-19 side currently preparing for the Currie Cup scheduled to begin later this year.
Yet to make his official debut, the Midrand-born halfback’s game is in the mould of that of his greatest inspiration, former All Black lieutenant Carlos Spencer, who enjoyed keeping ball in hand and exploiting opposition gaps – and mixing it with an educated boot.
“Rugby is my passion. When I first put on a rugby jersey as a young boy, I knew I was going to become a rugby player,” says the Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen graduate.
“My parents always pushed me to develop my skills. I remember back in primary school, I would have late practices with my dad,” he said.
“I like Carlos Spencer: I like the way he used to play – his flashy style. I also like Dan Carter – I love to watch him handle high-pressure situations on the field, as he is very calm when he finds himself under pressure.
“I would love to develop all those skills.”
Although the Lions move happened unexpectedly to him, Xander has found himself in a very fortunate position.
Joining one of the biggest rugby clubs the country has to offer has unsurprisingly not gone to his head, as he knows that hard work is one’s best bet for success, in any field.
“Work hard. Never give up. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough – it takes hard work.
“In life you don’t get what you wish for; you get what you work for.”
Having taken a gap year this year to focus on his rugby, the 18-year-old, who grew up in Boksburg, intends to resume his studies next year in search of a business management Bcom degree.
His debut is sure to be a proud moment for friends, family, his primary school Laerskool Baanbreker and EG Jansen. Watch this space. – @SabeloBoksburg
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