Tenacious and feisty.
By Morgan Piek
Enrico “Ricky’ Januarie has always been bit of a controversial figure in South African Rugby. He has never been one to shy away from a challenge, both on and off the field. Be it because of DUI charges or weight issues. Like most Springbok Rugby players he has had his fair share of critics.
Having announced his retirement from international rugby today, I was amazed by some of the reactions doing their rounds on the social media. I, myself have been somewhat critical of his form over the last two years, and I will not for one second deny it. My criticism of Ricky is more because I know what the man was capable of and it is disappointing to see such a good talent not performing to his true ability.
Kevin McCallum sums it up nicely on Twitter: “I know Ricky has his detractors and has let himself down at times, but when he was on form he was a great player. Have some dignity, people”
People tend to forget what Ricky has done for South Africa at the highest level of the sport in which he excelled. In 2008, Ricky scored a great individual try against the run of play against the All Blacks at the iconic
“House of Pain” in Dunedin, New Zealand. That try not only won the Springboks their first test in Dunedin since the 1930’s, it also won us the Tri-nations in New Zealand. Januarie; ran around the ruck and chipped the ball over the head of the fullback to score the try that saw the Springboks win 30 – 28.
Whether Ricky was fit, unfit, on form or off form, one thing was always a certainty. He gave 200% on the field every single time the pulled the Green and Gold jersey over his head. Januarie played 65 Super Rugby games, 14 for the Lions and 51 for the Stormers, scoring 4 tries. He represented the Springboks 47 times, scoring 5 tries. Ricky, thank you for your great service to South African rugby, we salute you. We at Rugby15 would like to wish you all the best as you continue your career playing for Lyon in France.
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