20 Questions: Neil de Kock – Saracens scrum half

Where have you been this summer?
We went to Europcamp Costa Dorada, just south of Barcelona. We have two kids, aged one and three, so it was ideal. Loved it!
How’s pre-season been?
Just finished week three and it’s been pretty tough, with lots of power work.  But it’s well structured and they don’t go overboard…  two days on, one day off.
Is motivation in the camp high?
Definitely! We’ve got a Premiership trophy to regain and we’ll have our internationals back in on Monday, so it’ll be good to get everybody together.
Disappointed not to back up your 2011 title?
Yes. We believed we could beat Leicester away in the semi-final, but we came up short and so be it. We’ll be out there this season looking to get to the top again.
What lessons did you learn from last season’s Heineken Cup defeat to Clermont?
That the Heineken is always a step up and that the depth and quality of your squad is crucial if you want to go all the way. Clermont were a quality unit who were defensively outstanding and shut us out completely. That’s the standard we’re aiming for.
How do you chill-out away from rugby?
I like to read but there’s no time for that with my family. It’s all systems go with them when I get home from training, doing the things young fathers do.
Favourite food and drink?
Any pasta, which doesn’t go down well with the fitness guys because they’re scared of carbohydrates. And being South African, I enjoy a good steak. Drinks-wise, it’s a Peroni or Carlsberg.
Biggest joker at Sarries?
Richard Wigglesworth and Dave Strettle have a few tricks up their sleeves and our young scrum-half Luke Baldwin’s showing promise there, too. And I’m hearing a lot about this Chris Ashton guy who’s joining us on Monday!
Best trainer?
Steve Borthwick by a country mile. He’s the most dedicated man I’ve ever met. His work ethic is incredible, whether it’s on the pitch, in the gym or doing his analysis work.
Worst trainer?
Schalk Brits. Worst trainer, best player… don’t you just hate it!
Cleverest player?
There’s two… Charlie Hodgson and Alex Goode. They’re both very intelligent rugby players.
Biggest moaner?
Our centre Adam Powell is a shocker. He’ll always let you know if he’s not happy about something.
Guilty pleasure?
Any chocolate… but particularly a Milky Bar or Dairy Milk wholenut.
Any famous friends?
Ernst Joubert’s new wife, Minki van der Westhuizen. She’s a model and big TV personality back in SA.
Rugby idol growing up?
Joost van der Westhuizen. He was Sout Africa’s incumbent No.9 when I was growing up and was absolutely outstanding.
Best moments in rugby?
Winning the Premiership in 2011 was special. I also won back-to-back Currie Cups as a youngster with Western Province and I was proud to represent the Springboks at the World Cup in 2003.
What do you love and hate about rugby?
I love pre-season because you get the weekends off! But I hate playing through December and January in the cold and wet. I’d love a global season with the two hemispheres aligned.
Any superstitions?
None at all. I take everything as it comes and that attitude has served me well. I’ve survived this long so hopefully it will stand me in good stead.
Looking forward to this season’s law changes?
Yes, I’m pleased they’re giving the TMOs a more responsibility, it should make refereeing more accurate. And although we did it last season, I’m glad the elongated ruck will disappear with the new ‘five second’ law
Ambitions for Sarries this season?
To fight on all fronts. We had a spate of back row injuries last year which didn’t help, but gave a lot of young guys opportunities. Hopefully that will stand us in good stead to win some silverware this season.