In contrast to the case of Johns was the story of Ben-Piet van Zyl. He was flown to join the Team immediately Hennie van Zyl had returned home or the funeral of his father. A twenty-five-year-old theological student from the Western Province, van Zyl was selected soon after he arrived to play against Leinster and the Barbarians and appeared in several matches in France before the Tour ended. He appeared in the memorable Barbarians match because it was decided to play Engelbrecht in the centre and van Zyl took over the rightwing position. He was a useful wing-threequarter and, in the short time available to watch him in action, he looked of good provincial standard, if not quite in the class of the three top wings on tour. His visit was short and sweet, but he must have enjoyed it, as he had many more games than the unfortunate Johns.