The Springboks return has helped lift the intensity in training as Western Province braces for a “backlash” in the north-south Currie Cup derby against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.
Fresh from a four-week break from provincial duty to take part in the national training camp, the Stormers’ Bok players returned to training this week.
Stormers captain Steven Kitshoff was joined by Frans Malherbe, Damian Willemse and lock Marvin Orie at the side’s Cape headquarters in Bellville after being coached by Springbok conditioning coach Andy Edwards over the past few weeks.
‘Energized’
The Bok capped player is unlikely to be dropped again when Western Province travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls in the second round of the Currie Cup, but his presence is nonetheless welcome as the provincial union looks set to go two-for-two in the tournament.
“He brought great energy to the squad and an element of professionalism this week. He really pushed the guys around him,” Gareth Wright, the Stormers and WP kicking coach, said of the returning Boks.
“He brings a certain standard that is almost uncoachable. You would expect it from a guy who has been in the national set-up for a few years now.
“The guys just want to go out there to make sure they contribute so the (Currie Cup) team can perform this weekend.”
‘Bulls are always tough’
After an opening round victory over the Lions in Johannesburg, Western Province will return to the heights on Friday to overcome an ailing Bulls outfit humiliated by defending champions Pumas with a third straight defeat at Loftus Versfeld.
“The Bulls are always a tough side, no matter where you play,” Wright said. “The Pumas played well but we know the Bulls are a quality outfit so we expect them to rise to the challenge.
“The Bulls are always tough. They’ve got a few guys in Bok caps and a lot of them have played senior provincial rugby. They’re going to get hurt, so we’ve got to prepare.
“I don’t need motivation for the north-south derby. We expect a backlash of sorts. However, we can only worry about the situation and how we are doing. We only focus on ourselves as a collective.
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This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission. For the original story click here.