Q: You started you career at the Cheetahs. How difficult a decision was it to move to the Bulls, given the fact that they had three established international locks at their disposal already?
A: It was not only a huge challenge, but also a huge honour to be given the opportunity to join the Bulls. To play alongside the three best locks in world rugby is something special. That made the call to move an easy one.

Q: There is always drama when the Blue Bulls play the Cheetahs. Did you play against the Bulls in your time in Bloemfontein and what do you remember from those clashes?
A: Yes, I have played in a couple of those. I have to say; to play the Bulls at Loftus has always been a huge challenge. They were not only a top class side; their supporters were also fanatical in their encouragement of the team. I am very happy to be on the right side of them now....

Q: Was there much pressure on you as the son of a Springbok rugby player to also play rugby?
A: Not at all. I cannot remember one instance where my dad had forced me or my brother to play rugby. I think we were lucky that the sport was in our blood. To know also have played test match rugby like my dad is a huge honour.

Q: tell us about your early years?
A: I cannot recall at what age I started to play rugby, but did play prop. My primary school days were at Staatspresident Swart in Kimberley.

From there I attended Grey College in Bloemfontein and moved to lock in my standard nine year when I became a bit tall for playing prop.

After school I enrolled at Kovsies for a B. Comm. degree in Financial Management. I started playing for Shimlas and the Free State u.21 side and later for the Cheetahs. I moved to the Bulls in June last year.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?
A: My dad and brother were my big heroes (brother Francois played for WP, Toulon and now Racing Metro). Later, when Sports Illustrated started with posters, Mark Andrews and Martin Johnson was heroes, but in high school only posters of Bakkies and Victor graced my walls.

Q: When did you make your debut for the Blue Bulls?
A: My first game was a compulsory friendly against the Border Bulldogs in East London last year. It was just before the start of the Currie Cup.

Q: What has been your career highlights so far?
A: Winning the Currie Cup in 2009 was pretty good and the Super 14 win of 2010 pretty special. But nothing compares to making my Bok debut at Newlands last month.

Q: What are your goals for the rest of the 2010 season?
A: I want to help the Blue Bulls to retain the Currie Cup.

Q: Taste in music? Brasse vannie Kaap or Jack Parow? Steve or Kurt?
A: I like the new Jack Parrow song with the Radio Kalahari Orkes, but more because I love RKO. Kurt and Steve are both great, but I will go for Steve as he is from my old school.

Q: Favourite stadium?
A: No doubt. Loftus!

Q: Facebook of Twitter?
A: Facebook

Q: Playstation, Wii or X-Box?
A: Sorry, I prefer reading books.

Q: Sponsors?
A: I work part time with Sanlam as a financial advisor. My vehicle sponsor is McCarthy Ford, Pretoria East.

Q: Shampoo?
A: Nothing in particular.

Q: Do you hunt? What is the biggest trophy?
A: Yes, I do and enjoy a yearly hunting trip on our family farm. The biggest buck I have shot is an Oryx.

Q: Pick-up, SUV, motor?
A: Pick-up

Q: Ringtone on mobile?
A: Just a normal one.



Recent Columns