Claiming the spotlight
14 Feb 2012
Andries Bekker is finally ready to succeed Victor Matfield as South Africa’s master and commander.
The 2012 season is Bekker’s time to step into the light as the Boks’ marshal of a set piece all rugby nations revere. He’s ready for the responsibility and ready to put what he’s learned into action.
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‘Ever since I was a schoolboy I’ve dreamed about starting at No 5 for the Boks,’ says Bekker, who at 27 has played just 24 Tests and started a mere three in this position. ‘I understood why I wasn’t picked ahead of Victor, but now that he’s moved on I want to be running the show. I want to be playing as many Tests as I can. With Victor gone, international rugby is now my primary focus.’
Bekker also talks to SA Rugby magazine about his battles with injury and his own personal demons, Rassie Erasmus’s resignation as WP senior professional coach, the next generation of locks in the Cape, and why he will stay loyal to WP and the Stormers.
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Also in the new issue, on sale this week:
– How Rassie Erasmus was forced out of the Western Province set-up by self-serving elected officials
– Chiliboy Ralepelle wants to produce his best form for the Bulls this season and challenge Bismarck du Plessis for the Springbok No 2 jersey
– It’s taken four years to rebuild the Sharks backline following a damaging player exodus
– Heyneke Meyer has what it takes to get the Springboks back to the top – and keep them there
– The Baby Boks will be well prepared for the Junior World Championship in June
– Percentage rugby is a proven recipe for success, according to Rassie Erasmus and Heyneke Meyer
– For a long stretch they’ve been Super Rugby’s Kiwi doormats, but the Highlanders could be about to turn a corner
– Reds coach Ewen McKenzie joins the SA Rugby magazine team as a columnist
– Teenage flank Liam Gill wants to kick on from his successful first season for the Reds
– Maties are using GPS technology to monitor their players’ performance
– Coaches should be making their selections for the 2012 Six Nations with the 2015 World Cup in mind
– Former Sharks centre Brad Barritt went to London to study and ended up playing for England
PLUS: A GIANT 2012 FIXTURES POSTER!
53 Comments
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15 Feb 2012, 01:17 am
@UK Bok-50: sweet fokkol.bekker is a far better rugby player in all facets of the game.
15 Feb 2012, 15:51 pm
allblacksaregods – I agree. SA donnot have the professional to trust in their 2nd tier players so , so to speak, am not saying Bekker is. But rather than mould Bekker, Bissie, Hougie tSA played their usual names and the Boks were a 2nd rate team come RWC time!!
16 Feb 2012, 14:34 pm
@lepel-49:
Matfield was an outstanding playere in all departments – one of the highest tackle rates in the team, always up for the attack and the drive – superb leadership skills and courage – led the Twickenham match at the end of 2010 with a broken rib, while three English forwards got carried off … this is before we talk about his peerless lineout presence and ability – your allegations and same with UK Bok are so way off the mark.
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