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Cape Town - Cheetahs lock George Earle says he would pick Stormers duo Andries Bekker and Eben Etzebeth as his Springbok lock pairing.
GALLERY: Past weekend's sporting pictures
Earle will pack down with lock partner Izak van der Westhuizen when the Cheetahs take on the Stormers in their Super Rugby clash at Newlands on Saturday.
"If you ask me to pick a current Bok team, I'll pick them (Bekker and Etzebeth) as my lock pairing. Eben has recently impressed as a young player and Andries is a giant in his own right," Earle told Volksblad.
Bekker, already capped 24 times by the Springboks, is expected to take over from the retired Victor Matfield while the 20-year-old Etzebeth has surfaced as a strong contender with his form this season.
But despite singing the praises of his opponents for Saturday's clash, Earle is ready for the challenge.
"I'm looking forward to playing against them. It will definitely be war on the field."
Earle, 25, joined Griquas from the Lions late last year and was drafted into the Cheetahs' wider training group in pre-season.
He has since impressed coach Naka Drotské which enabled him to cement his place in the team.
"My confidence is high and it's nice to know someone backs you.
"I'm thankful for how things turned out and glad about the faith the Cheetahs showed in me and giving me this opportunity," said Earle.
The clash at Newlands kicks off at 19:10 on Saturday.
GALLERY: Past weekend's sporting pictures
Earle will pack down with lock partner Izak van der Westhuizen when the Cheetahs take on the Stormers in their Super Rugby clash at Newlands on Saturday.
"If you ask me to pick a current Bok team, I'll pick them (Bekker and Etzebeth) as my lock pairing. Eben has recently impressed as a young player and Andries is a giant in his own right," Earle told Volksblad.
Bekker, already capped 24 times by the Springboks, is expected to take over from the retired Victor Matfield while the 20-year-old Etzebeth has surfaced as a strong contender with his form this season.
But despite singing the praises of his opponents for Saturday's clash, Earle is ready for the challenge.
"I'm looking forward to playing against them. It will definitely be war on the field."
Earle, 25, joined Griquas from the Lions late last year and was drafted into the Cheetahs' wider training group in pre-season.
He has since impressed coach Naka Drotské which enabled him to cement his place in the team.
"My confidence is high and it's nice to know someone backs you.
"I'm thankful for how things turned out and glad about the faith the Cheetahs showed in me and giving me this opportunity," said Earle.
The clash at Newlands kicks off at 19:10 on Saturday.
