New Vodacom Bulls prop Alulutho Tshakweni is prepared for set-piece warfare in opposition to DHL Western Province when the native giants conflict at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
This week’s north-south derby will mark the second assembly of conventional rivals within the 2024 Currie Cup. The Bulls opened their marketing campaign with three tries in a slim win in opposition to WP at a moist Cape City Stadium three weeks in the past.
Phiwe Nomlomo’s prices beat the Cheetahs in Pretoria final week to increase their spectacular begin to rugby’s oldest competitors to 3 wins, whereas Province thrashed the Griffons on Sunday for his or her first win of the season.
Talking in a Bulls convention on Tuesday, Tshakweni emphasised the significance of dominating the scrum and maul battle whereas highlighting the risk posed by WP.
“[WP] have rotated a bit however can see they’ve plenty of younger guys who wish to play with plenty of effort. It’s going to be a troublesome battle once more … and we all know they’re going to come back for us and be prepared,” he advised reporters.
“It’s not going to be a simple one however we’ll even be prepared. I’ve all the time felt the [WP] forwards are stronger than their backs so it’s going to be an actual bodily battle up entrance.
“Because the Bulls pack we’re able to scrum, we’re able to maul, and we all know they’re not going to shrink back from it.”
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A former Junior Springbok who represented Border at U18 Academy Week and Craven Week, Tshakweni joined the Bulls from the Cheetahs this season on a two-year deal, and made his first look off the bench in opposition to his previous staff final Friday.
The 25-year-old received the Currie Cup with the Cheetahs in 2023 and isn’t any stranger to Loftus, after a mortgage spell with the Bulls U21s in 2018.
“I used to be right here some time in the past; it’s acquainted and a bit higher this time, I’m not going to lie. So I’m tremendous pleased to be right here and able to contribute one of the best ways I can,” Tshakweni stated.
“I wish to do properly within the Currie Cup and stamp my authority and present individuals what I can do. Hopefully with the performances I put in I can get into the URC squad.
“I used to be on the Cheetahs for three-and-a-half years and felt it was my time to step up, to showcase myself extra. The Cheetahs are a fantastic bunch of men and a great setting, and I may’ve stayed, however I needed to maneuver and problem myself.
“I didn’t wish to settle and get snug, and that is extra publicity for me. The Currie Cup is right here and hopefully we are able to go all the best way and win it, however one recreation at a time.”
On how he plans to make his mark for the Bulls, the highly effective loosehead explains, “I’ve to like my scrumming! I’m a prop, that’s my foremost focus. All the things else is an additional.
“Again within the day I was a 12 and 13, I’ve performed at free ahead, so my recreation is properly rounded and effort-wise I really feel I can simply do my factor.
“Once I was on the Cheetahs Schalk [Ferreira] would tackle the primary 40 minutes, after which I might come on and simply convey vitality and energy and attempt to shut the sport out. Any function I can play I’ll simply go at it.”
Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Photos
