THE long beard might evoke cartoon images of languishing long-term prisoners, and true enough Josh Strauss has done his time. But, while patience has been essential for the No 8, above all in recent months, his last three years have been far from inactive.
With almost perfect timing, Strauss finally became eligible to represent Scotland on Sunday, two days after the Rugby World Cup began. Almost - because, while he is ready to play his part against Japan tomorrow, having been named on the bench for the Pool B game, the South African-born forward would ideally have completed his three-year residence period a little earlier so as to have been able to play in the warm-up games.
Not that Strauss should take too long to come to terms with the extra rigours of Test rugby. A month away from his 29th birthday, he has experience of Super Rugby back home with the Lions, and was an influential member of the Glasgow Warriors team that won the PRO12 title last season. His ability is evident: all he needs now is the ability to prove himself at the highest level.
“A lot of pride in making it,” Strauss said yesterday when asked to sum up his emotions now that he is at last a fully qualified member of the Scotland squad. “A bit of relief as well, because the pre-season was really tough and you want to get something for all the hard work you’ve put in.
“I think anyone who plays the sport, growing up from a young boy, the dream is to play on the biggest stage. I haven’t achieved yet, but putting yourself close to achieving it was a great feeling.
“It’s been tough. Game fitness is something completely different to all the things you do in conditioning, but you still try and be in the best possible shape. I’ve been in the extra fitness group for most of the camp, which has been fun. I’m always in that group. It’s been tough but enjoyable as well.
“Going into camp I knew what the script was. I got a bit of game time for Glasgow - I played against Canada and the Scarlets - you’ve got to get fit.
“Getting on the pitch on Wednesday, if hopefully that does happen, that’ll be the big one for me, so I don’t want to have too many distractions going into the game. I just want to be focused and prepared like any other game and do as best I can.”
To Scots ears, Strauss still sounds as South African as the day he left the Western Cape for the west of Scotland, but he has adapted in most other ways. “The last time I went back to visit my family it was 20° and I was dying of heat,” he continued. “I think I’ve acclimatised.
“Culturally, it would be tough to change completely, but you get used to the little different things they do in Scotland. We’re probably restricted mostly by the weather, but I recently bought a house in Glasgow and my daughter was born there, so I'm pretty much as Scottish as you can be - except for the accent.
“I've really enjoyed my three years at Glasgow. The team has done really well and this is just a cherry on the cake. But a lot of hard work and a lot of hours running around is paying off.”
A lot of support from others has also played its part, as Strauss is quick to acknowledge. Most recently he has benefited from the example of former Glasgow captain Al Kellock and the guidance of current Warriors coach Gregor Townsend, but when asked to cite his biggest influence he had no hesitation in saying it was his family.
“Hours of my older brother beating me up playing rugby on our knees in the living room. I could name a lot of people, but if I was to narrow it down I would say my family and support system. For any rugby player that's the biggest thing. You’re away from home a lot and it does have an impact, especially when you have kids.
“Big Al has had a big influence on me. I captained the Lions in South Africa, but have never seen someone so comfortable in that role as him. It is just the way he speaks. He does it so naturally and I think I've learnt a lot from him.
“Gregor is a great coach. Technically, he’s brilliant. He’s also had a big impact.”
The plan is for Strauss to have a big impact tomorrow - to come off the bench at some stage and take the game to the Japanese. He has waited long enough for the opportunity, and he aims to seize it.
“I think our preparation, even before seeing that game [Japan’s win over South Africa] has been right,” he said. “We’ve never underestimated them. A World Cup is such a big stage and every team rocks up.”
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