The Irish Times' Gavin Cummiskey meets Ulster lock Johann Muller, one of four Springboks giving the province a new edge.
"It has long been established that the toughest place to go and win a game of rugby is New Zealand. Just ask the 2005 Lions. Or the 2007 Springboks.
"Before the last World Cup, then South Africa coach Jake White made the brave decision to sacrifice the Tri-Nations away matches to New Zealand and Australia in an attempt to find the best 30-man squad. With Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha put on ice, Johann Muller got his opportunity. If it wasn’t for these two brilliant locks we would know more about the man who will carry the battle to Imanol Harinordoquy and the Biarritz pack on Sunday.
"When Bobby Skinstad cried off from the Christchurch Test in 2007, the captaincy went automatically to Muller. Despite the 33-6 defeat to the supposedly world champions elect, White had seen enough to know how valuable the big man would be as a squad member."
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