Jóhann Thormählen

Bloemfontein – CJ van der Linde is back among his former Free State team-mates and is set to boost their scrum against the Sharks on Saturday.

The Springbok tighthead prop is one of two internationals set to improve the home side’s substitutes’ bench for the Currie Cup match against the Sharks.

Centre Meyer Bosman is also likely to return via the bench after he suffered light concussion.

Van der Linde played for Irish side Leinster for two years and is looking forward to playing in the Currie Cup again. He is one of 11 Boks that have been released to play for their provinces.

According to Van der Linde, who will join WP after the Currie Cup, he is looking forward to the “new” challenge and would like to win the competition with Free State before moving to the Cape.

“It’s good to be back. It’s always nice to play in the Currie Cup and I’m looking forward to it. The Currie Cup campaign of 2005 will always be a fond memory and it will be nice to add another to that,” he said.

Van der Linde, 29, says it’s particularly nice to be able to play with an old friend like flanker Juan Smith again.

While rugby differs in Europe and South Africa, he believes the overseas scrumming experience will be of value.

“The weather conditions play a big role in how rugby is played in Europe. It rains all the time and is wet – scrums and lineouts are therefore very important. The forwards are obviously in the game more than is the case in South Africa. The game is quicker here and people spread the ball wide earlier.

“It’s definitely two different scenarios, but I believe one can apply what you have learned in the scrums there over here.”

Van der Linde may well be set for a duel with Bok loosehead prop Beast Mtawarira. Both will want to show that they belong in the Bok jersey.

“Beast had a good season last year and with all the drama of late he wants to wear the Bok No 1 jersey again. It’s definitely a big challenge to play against him, but it’s always nice to be tested at this level,” said Van der Linde.

He is expected to replace Kobus Calldo as substitute, while Bosman is set to come in for JW Jonker on the bench.

Outside centre Robert Ebersohn missed Tuesday’s session due to illness. If he’s not well, inside centre Corné Uys will shift one position down the backline, with Bosman possibly at inside centre.