Faf candidly admits concussion experience was 'weird': 'It was tricky to get back to it'

Concussion is a scary thing in any context, but for Faf de Klerk the biggest challenge was simply getting back into his stride following his return-to-play.

The diminutive yet nuggety Springbok scrumhalf was knocked out cold within 34 seconds of the Rugby Championship meeting with the All Blacks in Nelspruit last month, necessitating him having to sit out an entire week without engaging in contact training as per World Rugby protocols.

And even now, more than a month later, he's still playing a bit of catch-up.

"After the concussion, it was a bit weird to get back and getting used to the return-to-play protocol," De Klerk admitted ahead of Saturday's clash with Argentina in Buenos Aires.

"It was actually the first time in my career that I had to go through it. You really want to train every day and give yourself an opportunity to stake a claim for selection.

"Now you're out of that environment for a short period. It's rather tricky, but we're here for a reason and we need to use our chance when you get the opportunity.

"Playing for your country, you only really get one chance."

READ | Flyhalf Faf? Bok stalwart would be more than willing to help out: 'I'd be comfortable'

De Klerk subsequently did start in the the 17-25 defeat to the Wallabies in Adelaide - his substandard showing being further soured by a controversial yellow card after Nic White's theatrics - but didn't play in Sydney and will only feature on the bench this weekend. 

Probed on whether his stop-start campaign as well as the general rotation has made it difficult for the No 9s in the group to find consistent form, he was diplomatic.

"We try to keep our weeks as consistent as possible and our training is as such that we don't get 'shot' in game-week," said De