Eddie Kirby - Captain of HTS Vereeniging
HTS Vereeniging skipper Eddie Kirby is expecting a tough and physical tussle in Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against Hoerskool Transvalia. And the tighthead prop would love nothing more!
The Grade 12 pupil has played at tighthead prop for all of his rugby-playing life.
It thus seems logical that he would appreciate the more physical aspects of rugby.
"We've worked hard, but well this week," he says about his team's preparation.
"We're expecting a hard and physical game… and, for that reason, most of our preparation has been around cutting out any errors in our game."
Vereeniging have had a tough 2012 season thus far, winning just two games up until now – including big losses at the hands of Garsfontein and Brandwag.
Also, last year, the Tekkies – as HTS Vereeniging are known – went down 12-26 to Transvalia, having suffered an even heavier 6-37 reversal in their Classic Clash back in 2010.
"The odds are against us," admits Eddie, "(but) we had a very weak performance last year," he adds quickly.
"We'd love nothing more than breaking the current drought against Transvalia, but we know it won't be easy… especially away from home and despite the support we will have there with us."
Kirby, at 86 kilograms, admits that he might not be part of the biggest First XV pack around, but his team – or, rather, the forwards! – prides themselves on their mobility.
"We're a very fit pack and we make it our business to get to the breakdown first… every time," he warns.
