Springbok assistant coach Matthew Proudfoot believes Warren Whiteley's leadership could help the side massively this Saturday.
In the wake of Duane Vermeulen's elbow injury, Whitely could make his first start for the Springboks when they play their final Test against Ireland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Although Whiteley has not joined in on contact sessions over the past few days, he should be ready to face Ireland this weekend.
Proudfoot lauded the Lions captain's allround abilities.
"Warren is a really intelligent player, he’s very sharp. He’s a good lineout exponent and quick off the base, but what’s amazed me is his leadership. The way he leads the guys around him is phenomenal and he has an unbelievable work ethic," Proudfoot told SARugby Magazine.
"We had a chat on Monday evening and I said to him that what I really respect is the way he leads the guys, and I really think he makes the job easier for Adriaan and he aligns a lot of the fringe players, and that’s crucial in the squad."
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