Kleyn's class on Bok debut has returning RG purring: 'Cool, calm, collected'

When RG Snyman strode onto the field for an emotional return to Loftus on Saturday, he made a point of checking up on Jean Kleyn.

The two have become good friends as Munster team-mates and proved an instrumental combination in helping the Irish heavyweights claim a long overdue URC title.

Snyman certainly didn't doubt his partner in the second-row would make a decent fist of his Springbok Test debut - four years after his previous appearance for Ireland - but was still left astounded by Kleyn's ethereal calmness during South Africa's excellent 43-12 demolition of Australia on Saturday.

"To be honest, it's classic JK. He's very cool, calm and collected, even before the game starts," the smiling 2.06m said.

"I kept looking at him because, obviously, it was such a big occasion for him, but there was absolutely no discernible stress."

In the end, Kleyn delivered a 68-minute performance brimming with class, ostensibly doing virtually everything that was asked of him by team management in the build-up.

He had downplayed the urgency at which he needed to stake a claim for the World Cup, merely expressing how privileged he is to be here and - ominously in hindsight - said that he had no increased expectations weighing on his shoulders. 

Consequently, Kleyn was an all-round presence, proving as reliable a jumper as his skillful partner, Marvin Orie, while also poaching an Aussie throw, completing all his tackles, and winning a turnover.

He was employed as a carrier nine times and stood up superbly in those collisions. 

"Obviously, the way he played [on the night] speaks for itself. That's the way he plays and the way he's done so for the past few seasons," said Snyman.

"It's a well-deserved debut for him and I'm really happy that he