Ex-Bok fired up for Proteas clash

Cape Town - Former Springbok hooker Tiaan Liebenberg is keen to make amends for his duck against the Proteas by inspiring the Boks to victory in the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup on Friday.

The Springboks and Proteas first clashed in a T20 game in Cape Town earlier this year, which saw the South African cricket boys secure a 28-run victory.

Liebenberg, who recently announced his retirement from rugby, believes the game will be an awesome event for the players and fans.

"The Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup is an awesome opportunity for the players and the fans," Liebenberg told MyPlayers.co.za. "First of all, it's a great spectacle for the fans, who get to see their two favourite teams go head-to-head at the Wanderers.

"For the players, it's a great way for us to come together and enjoy a bit of fun. Yes, it will be very competitive, but the Springboks have some good mates in the Proteas squad. After the last game, we all got together for a few beers and socialised.

"Personally, it will be great to be back in a team environment after I announced my rugby retirement. It will be good to catch up with the boys."

Liebenberg, who is well-known for his batting prowess, was bowled out for a duck by Proteas paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe in the last game.

The 32-year-old is determined to make the most of his second chance at the Wanderers this weekend, and believes the Springboks have the talent to upset the Proteas.

"The win will be our main objective. All professional sportsmen want to win. We might have lost the cricket game against the Proteas, but we did manage to beat them in a game of touchies. Hopefully, we can build some good momentum this year," said Liebenberg.

"Lopsy (Lonwabo Tsotsobe) bowled me in the last game with a good in-swinger, which hit middle and middle! Hopefully, the umpires will lift the LBW rule for the Springboks, which could be a useful advantage.

"I definitely want to score more runs this year. Maybe I can even throw up a few lollies, and force the batsman into playing some big shots, which could work out in our favour!

"Guys like Willem Alberts, Bismarck du Plessis, Duane Vermeulen and Victor Matfield will be important players for us too. There's some good talent in the Springbok squad, which could surprise our opponents."

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