Tahs banking on their Bok 'enforcer'
A beefy Springbok that is willing to put his body on the line. That is just what the doctor ordered for the Waratahs.
The arrival of their 'hired muscle' in Sydney this week, Bok wrecking ball Jacques Potgieter, created an air of excitement among the Tahs.
Coach Michael Cheika made it clear he wanted his side to be the toughest in Super Rugby this year, and marquee signing Potgieter – who stands at 194cm and weighs 115kg – will be appointed chief enforcer.
The 27-year-old back row forward earned three caps for South Africa in 2012, after impressing with his physical and intimidatory approach for the Bulls.
Cheika said at the time of Potgieter's signing last year that he wanted a "no-nonsense, hard and strong ball carrier and tackler" to inject into his forward pack.
Cheika named his starting XV for Saturday's trial against the Rebels, and Potgieter won't play in Albury after returning from a stint in Japan.
However, coaching staff will look to bring him up to speed quickly with structures and plays.
"He's a cult hero around the team already," scrumhalf Nick Phipps told the Australian Associated Press.
"Everyone is looking forward to him arriving. He's huge … an absolute wrecking ball.
"Cheik [Michael Cheika] said he wanted someone like that in the second row. He wants the forwards to be intense and intimidating and physical."
The Waratahs have been put through a gruelling pre-season and, so far, the hard-nosed approach appears to have paid off – with only one member of their extended squad carrying an injury.
"Cheik's made no hesitation in saying he wants us to be the fittest and toughest team in the comp," said former Rebels scrumhalf Phipps, who will face the man who has replaced him, Luke Burgess, on Saturday.
Source: AAP
