Divan Fuller’s lively debut for DHL Western Province in the Currie Cup derby against the Vodacom Bulls shows that he has a bright future ahead of him, says assistant coach Labeeb Levy.
Fuller became DHL Western Province’s latest Currie Cup debutant when he ran out in the starting lineup in the clash with the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
The 19-year-old Junior Springbok flank, who was nicknamed ‘The Hitman’ at Paarl Boys High, impressed with some big tackles, strong carries and a couple of turnovers.
“He really put his hand up,” assistant coach Levy said. “He showed no fear. Watching him training during the week, you pick up during shadow training whether they know their stuff. I was quite impressed.
“On Saturday morning, the team did a lineout session, a walkthrough and I could see a good connection and timing. Also, although he is still learning, he has a personality that wants it.
“He has that look in his eyes. He has that physicality, he didn’t hold back. His mindset was right and he contributed on defence. That’s the type of player that you want. If they can hold their own at a hostile environment at Loftus, and he showed that, then you’ve got a good future.”
The Bulls overturned a 24-point deficit to beat WP in an 11-try thriller at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Trailing 27-3 after 37 minutes, the hosts responded with seven tries to clinch a 50-34 victory in round 4 of the 2024 Currie Cup.
It was a third loss of the season for WP, who have opted to use the Currie Cup to blood youngsters and prepare a few senior players for the upcoming URC season.
“We knew this campaign was going to be a challenge, but we are up for it,” Levy said.
“The guys are getting experience which can help them for the future, for games like Saturday at Loftus. In the big picture, there are other comps like the URC and EPCR. So the exposure the guys are getting is good for them.
“We’ve still picked up points here and there. We would like the win, but we are still chipping away and making inroads.”
WP will next host the Griffons on Saturday evening, having thrashed the Free State side 64-15 for their only win of the campaign.
The Griffons did fire a warning shot to the bigger guns in the competition by coming from a 33-0 deficit to almost beat the defending champions Cheetahs in the 47-45 thriller.
“That was the learning point from our game against the Bulls and that game. You need to keep your foot on the pedal and you need to stay alive,” Levy said.
“The Cheetahs were up quite comfortably and then Griffons came back strongly and they could’ve snatched a win.
“If you are ahead, you can’t rest on your laurels. We beat them [in Welkom] but we still have to prepare well. We can’t just think because we beat them that it’s going to be an easy game.”
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
