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J.J. Harmse
Pretoria – It may just be the first rugby match of the season, but for Akona Ndungane and Francois Brummer this could be the most important of the year.
Ndungane is making his comeback after almost two years of injury problems, while Brummer has to show against the Kings in Port Elizabeth that he is the crown prince for Morné Steyn’s No 10 jersey.
The Bulls will play only two warm-up games – this coming weekend and next Saturday in Nelspruit.
With the full-strength side set to run out in the Mbombela Stadium, Saturday’s match in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be decisive between Bulls players with Super Rugby aspirations, and those that will have to be content with keeping their fitness levels up in the Vodacom Cup.
It is in the latter competition where Brummer has been outstanding for the past two seasons, and he is increasingly being looked at as a potential successor for Steyn, who has to be managed carefully in the national interest.
Brummer realises only too well that there are certain expectations, but also that he won’t have many chances to show that he is capable of standing in for Steyn.
“I would like people to talk about me at the end of the season as someone who grabbed his opportunities. But yes, there may not be many,” he said.
“That makes it difficult. because one tends to be over-eager when you end up getting the opportunity.
“I see myself in a similar situation where Morné was a few seasons ago when he played in the shadow of Derick Hougaard. Hopefully, like Morné did, I will be able to grab my chance when it comes.
“I learn from him (Steyn) every day and know how important hard work will be.”
Brummer had his first taste of Super Rugby last season and believes he has the appetite for it.
“It was definitely quicker than what I’m used to, but I think it went well,” Brummer said of his Bulls debut in the Super14 against the Stormers.
“This year has to be my breakthrough at this level, and hopefully there is enough game time for me to achieve that.”
There is a touch of irony in the return of Ndungane, who only played 40 minutes in 2010. That is after he broke one of his legs in the second match of the Currie Cup in 2009.
Ndungane made his name at the EP Elephants as a youngster, and now has to ‘build’ his career there for a second time.
“It is where I got my first contract as a professional player, so let’s hope my new beginning has the same effect as the first one,” said Ndungane.
“I will take things a little easier this time. I am eager to justify the confidence of the Bulls’ medical and coaching staff in me, but will only have a better idea of where I stand after the game.”
Pretoria – It may just be the first rugby match of the season, but for Akona Ndungane and Francois Brummer this could be the most important of the year.
Ndungane is making his comeback after almost two years of injury problems, while Brummer has to show against the Kings in Port Elizabeth that he is the crown prince for Morné Steyn’s No 10 jersey.
The Bulls will play only two warm-up games – this coming weekend and next Saturday in Nelspruit.
With the full-strength side set to run out in the Mbombela Stadium, Saturday’s match in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be decisive between Bulls players with Super Rugby aspirations, and those that will have to be content with keeping their fitness levels up in the Vodacom Cup.
It is in the latter competition where Brummer has been outstanding for the past two seasons, and he is increasingly being looked at as a potential successor for Steyn, who has to be managed carefully in the national interest.
Brummer realises only too well that there are certain expectations, but also that he won’t have many chances to show that he is capable of standing in for Steyn.
“I would like people to talk about me at the end of the season as someone who grabbed his opportunities. But yes, there may not be many,” he said.
“That makes it difficult. because one tends to be over-eager when you end up getting the opportunity.
“I see myself in a similar situation where Morné was a few seasons ago when he played in the shadow of Derick Hougaard. Hopefully, like Morné did, I will be able to grab my chance when it comes.
“I learn from him (Steyn) every day and know how important hard work will be.”
Brummer had his first taste of Super Rugby last season and believes he has the appetite for it.
“It was definitely quicker than what I’m used to, but I think it went well,” Brummer said of his Bulls debut in the Super14 against the Stormers.
“This year has to be my breakthrough at this level, and hopefully there is enough game time for me to achieve that.”
There is a touch of irony in the return of Ndungane, who only played 40 minutes in 2010. That is after he broke one of his legs in the second match of the Currie Cup in 2009.
Ndungane made his name at the EP Elephants as a youngster, and now has to ‘build’ his career there for a second time.
“It is where I got my first contract as a professional player, so let’s hope my new beginning has the same effect as the first one,” said Ndungane.
“I will take things a little easier this time. I am eager to justify the confidence of the Bulls’ medical and coaching staff in me, but will only have a better idea of where I stand after the game.”
