Stormers star admits Springbok training was an eye-opener

Paul de Villiers has described his first week in the Springbok camp as a steep but rewarding learning curve, saying the standard of training has been the biggest adjustment from provincial rugby.

The Stormers loose forward is part of the Springbok squad ahead of their opening match against the Barbarians.

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"It's only been a week, but it's been awesome, and I've learned a lot," De Villiers said.

"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."

The 23-year-old, who finished the URC season with 19 turnovers for the Stormers, said the intensity of training in the Springbok environment is on another level entirely.

"I think the training standards have been a massive thing,” De Villiers told reporters.

“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."

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With the prospect of pulling on the green and gold in competitive action for the first time potentially just days away, De Villiers said he is keeping his focus firmly on the basics.

"I wouldn't say the penny has dropped. For me, the main thing will be to get the job done on the field, and I'm excited, although there are some nerves,” he said.

“The other stuff obviously comes after that, but that's not where the focus lies at this stage."