The Vodacom Bulls’ Cobus Wiese dreams of becoming a Springbok, but knows it’ll take hard graft to follow in his older brother Jasper and Pieter-Steph du Toit’s footsteps, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.
Wiese has made an instant impact since joining the Bulls from English Premiership club, the Sale Sharks this season, the powerful utility forward becoming a key player in Jake White’s pack.
The 26-year-old’s ability to play both at lock and in the back row has added valuable depth to the Herd, and speaking in a Bulls conference on Monday, Wiese touched on his return to the Republic and career goals.
“I always say that when a rugby player is playing, he is at his happiest,” he told reporters. “The physicality [in rugby] is something that I want to pride myself on as a four lock or wherever I’m playing in the pack.
“When Coach Jake approached me, he said they could do with more players for a bit of depth. I really respect Jake; he has a brilliant rugby brain… it gives you confidence that he backs you.”
Wiese, previously part of the wider Bok squad in 2018, has ambitions to join Jasper in the green and gold. Reflecting on his past, he admitted that injury and complacency may have derailed his Bok hopes, but he’s now determined to earn a callup.
“It’s definitely a dream of mine, and of Jasper, to play together one day, and it being for the Boks will be the No 1 prize,” Cobus said. “I was in the Bok setup in 2018; I broke my neck and to be quite honest, I became quite complacent and I thought it [Bok selection] would just happen.
“I think now, it’s easy to see what you need to do to be a part of the Springbok squad.”
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And the Upington-born juggernaut knows what’s needed to reach the highest level. “If you look at the guys who are there now, they have impeccable work rate. Guys like Eben [Etzebeth] and Pieter-Steph, they do week in, week out what they’re known for.
“I don’t know exactly what they [the Bok management] wants but I can see it’s stuff that doesn’t require talent – it’s consistent hard work. It’s definitely something I’m chasing, and hopefully one of these days they’ll approach me.”
Wiese, who played with Du Toit at the DHL Stormers, spoke highly of the two-time world champion and former World Player of the Year. “Any player from four to eight can learn massively from Pieter-Steph. He’s a guy who just keeps on working, and the perfect example for players in SA.
“A massive presence and leader on the pitch. If I can develop into that kind of player, I’ll be very happy.”
Having spent four years playing in the northern hemisphere with Sale, Wiese’s experience will be crucial for the Bulls as the Highvelders embark on a three-week tour of Europe in the Vodacom URC, starting with a clash against Ospreys in Wales on Saturday.
“The important thing up north is you have to win the territory game… and it’s forwards-oriented, especially if the weather’s bad. Who can stay in the fight the longest, and in that staying disciplined,” Wiese explained.
“It’s a set piece after set piece kind of match… if you have a dominant forward pack, I think 60 percent of the game is taken care of.”
As Wiese continues to settle in at Loftus Versfeld, his focus is clear: success with the Bulls and joining Jasper with the Boks. “The Bulls setup is a championship team… playing for winning teams puts you in good stead to get picked for the national side.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
