Trevor Nyakane must dominate Newlands

In my column for sport24 I’ve written that Saturday’s clash at Newlands will be more centred around Springbok contention than Super Rugby aspirations when the Stormers face off against the Bulls in their local derby. Among the many players vying for selection, Bulls tighthead Trevor Nyakane will be looking to make the biggest statement. 

Trevor Nyakane of the Bulls during the Super Rugby match between Bulls and Rebels 21 April 2018 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Bulls props Trevor Nyakane needs just one more powerful scrumming performance against Steven Kitshoff and he will edge Wilco Louw as the Springbok starting tighthead option in the June international series against England.

Bulls loosehead prop Lizo Gqoboka could also force his way into the extended national squad with a strong set piece display against Louw at Newlands on Saturday.

Nyakane’s all-round game this season has been the best of all the tightheads in the country but the primary job of a tighthead is to be the rock around which a scrum is built.

Bulls coach John Mitchell has instilled a greater work ethic into Nyakane. The player’s conditioning is of Test selection standard. He is also playing the best rugby of his career.

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