Divan Fuller’s vigorous debut for DHL Western Province within the Currie Cup derby in opposition to the Vodacom Bulls exhibits that he has a brilliant future forward of him, says assistant coach Labeeb Levy.
Fuller turned DHL Western Province’s newest Currie Cup debutant when he ran out within the beginning lineup within the conflict with the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
The 19-year-old Junior Springbok flank, who was nicknamed ‘The Hitman’ at Paarl Boys Excessive, impressed with some large tackles, sturdy carries and a few turnovers.
“He actually put his hand up,” assistant coach Levy mentioned. “He confirmed no worry. Watching him coaching through the week, you decide up throughout shadow coaching whether or not they know their stuff. I used to be fairly impressed.
“On Saturday morning, the workforce did a lineout session, a walkthrough and I may see a very good connection and timing. Additionally, though he’s nonetheless studying, he has a persona that wishes it.
“He has that look in his eyes. He has that physicality, he didn’t maintain again. His mindset was proper and he contributed on defence. That’s the kind of participant that you really want. If they will maintain their very own at a hostile surroundings at Loftus, and he confirmed that, you then’ve received a very good future.”
The Bulls overturned a 24-point deficit to beat WP in an 11-try thriller at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Trailing 27-3 after 37 minutes, the hosts responded with seven tries to clinch a 50-34 victory in spherical 4 of the 2024 Currie Cup.
It was a 3rd lack of the season for WP, who’ve opted to make use of the Currie Cup to blood kids and put together a number of senior gamers for the upcoming URC season.
“We knew this marketing campaign was going to be a problem, however we’re up for it,” Levy mentioned.
“The blokes are getting expertise which will help them for the longer term, for video games like Saturday at Loftus. Within the large image, there are different comps just like the URC and EPCR. So the publicity the blokes are getting is sweet for them.
“We’ve nonetheless picked up factors right here and there. We wish the win, however we’re nonetheless chipping away and making inroads.”
WP will subsequent host the Griffons on Saturday night, having thrashed the Free State facet 64-15 for his or her solely win of the marketing campaign.
The Griffons did hearth a warning shot to the larger weapons within the competitors by coming from a 33-0 deficit to virtually beat the defending champions Cheetahs within the 47-45 thriller.
“That was the training level from our sport in opposition to the Bulls and that sport. It’s essential to hold your foot on the pedal and you should keep alive,” Levy mentioned.
“The Cheetahs had been up fairly comfortably after which Griffons got here again strongly they usually may’ve snatched a win.
“If you’re forward, you possibly can’t relaxation in your laurels. We beat them [in Welkom] however we nonetheless have to arrange effectively. We are able to’t simply assume as a result of we beat them that it’s going to be a simple sport.”
Picture: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
