Pierre Spies: Fitter and stronger
Bulls captain Pierre Spies is determined to raise his game in a bid to win back the Springbok number eight jersey.
A dip in form followed by a broken thumb paved the way for an overdue Bok debut for Stormers star Duane Vermeulen, who took to Test rugby like a duck to water.
Spies missed South Africa's disappointing Rugby Championship campaign and their successful end-of-year tour, but is now ready to make up for lost time.
"Competition is always good," Spies told supersport.
"My injury came at the right time and it gave me a lot more perspective, as well as a decent rest. It allowed me to recharge, to find a renewed focus and vision for the year ahead.
"It reminded me how much I want to play for the Springboks again.
"You always have to prove yourself, whether it is to the public, the coach or to yourself. I know I owe myself a good season and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
After leading the three-time Super Rugby champions to the play-offs last year (where they lost to the Crusaders), Spies will once again wear the captain's armband and is confident his team can go one better in 2013.
"Everyone is a year older now and we have a lot more experience. We know each other better and we're in a good space at the moment as a team," he said.
"Last year was a difficult year for everyone, but we've had a good break and have returned more mature. We're really looking forward to the battles that await us."
Comments
carpelone says...
If only he could tackle....
Posted 13:39 25th January 2013
whatisthis says...
does this man ever wear a shirt? every pic of him seems to be showing his calvin klein underwear model torso instead of making hard yards with mud on his face. i.e. doing what a good 8 should do. who knows, maybe if he let himself get a bit of a paunch, like many of the great ball carrying polynesian 8's, he would have that little bit more shunt. Seriously though I think he has suffered as a player bcos I dnt think he gets as much respect as some of the more gnarly back rowers around.
Posted 12:38 25th January 2013
JayStarr says...
Is "recharge" code for re-juicing? That jaw is looking more Jonny Bravo than ever...
You need to raise your game by a massive factor if you want the Bok jersey back, because you've been bloody average for a long time now mate. And all the muscles in the world won't get you there - it's about attitude.
Posted 12:37 25th January 2013
APV1 says...
Tarzan swinging back into action, eh?
Posted 12:19 25th January 2013
RugbyLeRoux says...
Time off coming back fitter and stronger equates to having a good team doctor and an impressive steroid cycle. Show Lance Armstrong how we do it in a real sport!
Posted 10:01 25th January 2013
Realbull says...
Hopefully the rest did him well and he can regain his old 'piere spies' form. Altough he did not perform badly last year, just needs more space. Not sure about his captaincy decisions,too many times last year he declined to kick for polls. That cost the Bulls a few games.
Posted 09:17 25th January 2013