Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is ready for another bruising challenge against the Vodacom Bulls when the teams clash in the Jukskei Derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Lions, currently three points and five places behind the Bulls (sixth) on the Vodacom URC log, have an opportunity to bounce back from a home defeat to Ospreys in the Challenge Cup last week when they take to Pretoria.
In the previous meeting between the northern rivals, at Loftus in March of 2023, the Lions put an end to a run of successive losses in local derbies stretching back to 2021, and quoted by Netwerk24 in the buildup this week, Ntlabakanye is fired up for the match.
“This week we are paying a lot of attention to playing with more intensity on Saturday,” he said. “The Bulls have a very good pack of forwards and so do we. It’s two super [packs] fighting each other and we’re looking forward to this challenge.
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“Yes, one wants to play against the best. It is especially against South African teams that you can measure yourself. The Bulls’ pack is probably the best in the country next to that of the Stormers.
“It is not difficult to motivate us for this match. This is a big derby for us and we all know the game will be won or lost up front.
He added: “If you want your backs to be at their best, you have to be strong up front. We know what lies ahead and we are not afraid of it. We know it’s a big challenge and we’re looking forward to it.”
A formidable front-row specimen at 158kg, the burly Ntlabakanye relishes the physicality on a rugby field, and known for his powerful tackles, he expressed, “Low tackles are the most enjoyable part of rugby for me.
“You can only do it within the rules, but in the rulebook it doesn’t say how hard you can do it! Rugby is a physical sport and it will be like that again this weekend.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix