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Bulls better than 2007 - Jaco

Pretoria - Former Springbok utility back Jaco van der Westhuyzen admits arriving back at Loftus Versfeld for the first time in two years was a terrifying experience – simply because he realised how far the Bulls had improved since he left.

The utility back, who was part of the 2007 Super 14 winning team and will be remembered for his antics by climbing up on the Absa Stadium poles after the victory, returned to the Bulls after two years away in Japan and will be with the side for the rest of the Vodacom Super 14 season.

Van der Westhuyzen admits he was shocked when he arrived for his first practice session and felt like “a rabbit in the spotlights” trying to fathom how much work awaits him to get to the same level as his team-mates.

But clean shaven – “the long hair and beards were a phase in my life which had a good ending for me” – and fit, Van der Westhuyzen is looking to help the Bulls retain their Super 14 title this year in any way he can.

His long awaited arrival was delayed because of a good post season his NEC Green Rockets had in making the final stages of the Japanese championship, but it was nothing compared to what he found when he arrived back at Loftus.

“The first day was a system overload for me. I left here with a certain standard of play at the Bulls and I expected the same when I return. But they have taken so many steps up in their professionalism and play that I can see why they are Super 14 and Currie Cup champions,” Van der Westhuyzen told Supersport.com “It was a rude awakening for me, but it is getting better.”

The last time Van der Westhuyzen played in South Africa was for the Southern Kings against the British and Irish Lions, but even though he has more than enough experience of Super 14 rugby, Van der Westhuyzen realised straight away the amount of hard work that awaits him.

“You can never ever compare Japan and the Bulls. There isn’t a comparison. This is definitely a significant step up for me and it will take me a few days to settle back into this and to get back to this level,” he added.

“It shouldn’t take long, I’ve been here before and it’s like riding a bike.

“I obviously want to play the best rugby that I can. I was out of the mix for a long time and I need to get myself up to a standard that I’m satisfied with my game. A level where I can add and help the team in achieving their goals.

“For me it is a big challenge. I was a bit nervous in coming here. I felt like a rabbit in the spotlight. For me it is all about winning. I want to be in a winning side and the Bulls have been very good to me through all the years and I would like to repay them for the faith they have in me.

In the start Van der Westhuyzen is likely to provide back-up to fullback Zane Kirchner, but can also fill in at flyhalf, centre and wing. The Bulls are waiting for his clearance certificate from Japan, but Van der Westhuyzen is likely to be part of the match 22 against the Highlanders in two weeks time as the Bulls have a bye next week.

Van der Westhuyzen, who hails from Groblersdal, said when he arrived it was “like coming home.”

“When I got here yesterday it was like coming home. I could see nothing had changed between guys like Victor (Matfield) and Fourie (du Preez), Gary (Botha) with his banter. It brought back a lot of good old memories and they’ve accepted me back immediately.

“I know we say it too much at the Bulls – the family thing. But you really can’t explain it to people outside the team what camaraderie there is and how much the guys care for each other.”

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