VIDEO: WP’s hooker stocks in a ‘healthy’ space

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Promising hooker JJ Kotze believes the pressure to fight for a spot in Western Province’s starting XV will greatly benefit him as a player.

It has not been an ideal start for the team from the Cape – suffering defeats to the Bulls and Cheetahs before securing a win over the Griffons last weekend.

However, for Kotze,  it has been a solid start.

He has enjoyed more game time and featured in all three Currie Cup matches for WP this season.

Kotze seems to have cemented himself as the Currie Cup No.2 for WP and has been working hard to put pressure on the likes of  Joseph Dweba, Andre-Hugo Venter and Scarra Ntubeni to break into the United Rugby Championship side.

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“If you don’t have that competition or pressure, you will never improve,” Kotze said.

“If you play in a place where you feel comfortable or stay in a comfort zone, it doesn’t fuel you to grow as a player. It doesn’t push you to improve yourself.

“The competition we have here is healthy. I’m also very happy for Andre-Hugo Venter and Joseph Dweba who have been with the Springboks. It’s given me an opportunity to chase them and try and get there myself.

“That competition at hooker especially is good for us and also for the team.”

Kotze has big aspirations and hopes to one day don the green and gold himself.

But for now, the Paul Roos alum is focused on performing for the franchise and also finding the time to complete his qualifications as a physiotherapist from Stellenbosch University.

“For now my goal is about get more time on the field, especially now during the Currie Cup and the start of the United Rugby Championship [URC].

“In terms of long-term, since I was a kid it’s always been a dream to play for the Boks.

“However, I am aware of the hard work needed to get there.”

He also explained his studies will not interfere with his WP and Stormers career.

“There are still some practical hours that I have to complete this year. That will be during a period where there aren’t any matches,” Kotze said.

“I think we will have a gap in November where I will be completing my hours. So it won’t affect my availability to play.”

Western Province take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this weekend.