DHL Stormers star Damian Willemse can’t wait to lock horns with the Vodacom Bulls when the traditional rivals clash in Pretoria next week.
The Vodacom URC takes a break this weekend but when the competition resumes on 1 and 2 March, the Bulls and Stormers renew hostilities in another blockbuster North-South derby at Loftus Versfeld.
In the SA Shield, the Stormers lead the charge on 17 points from their four local duels, but they are closely followed by the Bulls on 15 points.
John Dobson’s charges claimed bragging rights at Cape Town Stadium two months ago, with last week’s win against the Sharks continuing their unbeaten run against South African opponents since December 2021.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Netwerk24, Willemse acknowledges the historical significance of the North-South derby while dismisses the notion of added pressure given the team’s 15 consecutive victories over local teams.
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“I wouldn’t say it feels like there’s a target on our back. We just try to do the best we can,” the Springbok playmaker said. “We will pull together on Monday and review the game against the Sharks and see where we can improve and what we did right.
“We will then look at key areas that we can target against the Bulls. They again offer a completely different challenge than the Sharks.”
Willemse added: “It [the North-South derby] is a rivalry that dates back to long before my or even my father’s time. It’s a privilege to be part of that and to be able to say I played in a North-South derby in 2020 or 2021 at Newlands, the DHL Stadium or Loftus.
“These are the matches that one’s children may still be watching in 40 years. It remains special.”
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
The post Willemse relishes North-South derby rivalry appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
