By Michael Vlismas.
Jean de Villiers believes the return of the Springboks combined with a Vodacom Bulls team which he says is creating “something special” this season will make for an epic Vodacom United Rugby Championship Derby against the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday.
“It’s going to be a fantastic tussle. I think we’ve seen the change in performance from both these teams with some of their Springboks back. These games between the local franchises are always big and I suppose playing at home at Loftus Versfeld will be to the benefit of the Vodacom Bulls,” De Villiers says of a match that is the first truly big Derby clash amongst the South African teams this season following the DHL Stormers and Emirates Lions in the first round.
Looking at the Vodacom Bulls, De Villiers says Willie le Roux has already made a significant difference to the Pretoria franchise.
“I thought his debut last weekend went really well, and having a player like that at the back just gives that stability and really helps the Vodacom Bulls. The Bulls are looking as though they are creating something special. It’s a nice mix of players there. Jaco van der Walt has added a lot of value and then a Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse add a lot of value to any team that they come into. That’s a very dangerous back three there.”
Similarly for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, De Villiers says the impact of their Springboks cannot be overstated.
“The Hollywoodbets Sharks obviously had a very poor start to the season and then managed to get it back on track this last weekend. No doubt the influence of an Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche, Lukhanyo Am, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams – all those players – is huge for the Sharks.
“But you also need to realise it’s difficult for these Springboks after being on such a high and then a short break to come in and still put in performances like they have. It just shows the quality of the individuals. They don’t just bring value from a personal point of view, but also to the players they play with who feed off them and are better players for it as well. It’s great to see the Springboks back on the pitch.”