Q&A with Pukke No.8 Willem van der Wal
Many people have described him as the heartbeat of FNB Pukke. Many believe he was once again the best No.8 on offer during the 2009 Varsity Cup.
www.varsitycup.co.za caught up with Pukke captain Willem van der Wal to find out more his recent achievements and more about the man himself.
(1) Varsity Cup (VC): Who is Willem van der Wal? Tell us a bit about yourself and your rugby career to date.
Willem van der Wal (WW): “I am currently in my fourth year at NWU-Pukke, having spent three years at UJ (I was in Dromedaris Res). I joined UJ straight out of school and played in various youth teams for the Lions… I am still studying and have to pass one more subject to get my degree in Financing Accounting.”
(2) VC: You must have loved the 2009 Varsity Cup – despite losing in the final it was a fantastic effort making it into the 2009 Varsity Cup Final, wasn’t it?
WW: “The 2009 Varsity Cup was a fantastic experience. We worked very hard this year, as we did last year, and our aim was to improve from game to game and from season to season. Last year we lost in the semifinals, but went one better this season. Hopefully we can take it a step further next year!”
(3) VC: What is the secret behind the success of Pukke; you’re the reigning National Club Championships and you made the VC Final this year?
WW: “It’s actually quite simple; hard work, good coaching and conditioning and, of course, having a good team spirit.”
(4) VC: Did you have any rugby heroes growing up?
WW: “Not really, but it’s hard not to look up to someone like Richie McCaw these days… He’s a top player and has been so for years.”
(5) VC: Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?
WW: “All the coaches that I’ve been lucky enough to play under thus far; at UJ, the Lions and Pukke.”
(6) VC: Tell us about your recent experience in France with the SA Students Sevens team?
WW: “It was one of the best tours I’ve been on. The coaching, the management, the medical team and the players were fantastic. It was a pity, however, that we lost in the final.”
(7) VC: Do you enjoy playing Sevens? Is it something you would consider specialising in?
WW: “I love playing Sevens. I’m not sure about specialising in it, and it’s not something I have thought about. (But) I have an open mind for any worthwhile opportunity, so one could never say never.”
(8) VC: What are your rugby aims?
WW: “At this stage I would like to complete my degree – then we’ll see what the future holds for me.”
(9) VC: What are your other passions in life; away from rugby?!
WW: “My friends are very important to me. I also love the outdoors and nature; I am a keen fisherman and I love my diving too.”
(10) VC: What do you think of the Varsity Cup? What, in your opinion, makes it such a great tournament?
WW: “I think it’s a top, top competition. The level of competition and the friendships you forge are what make it such a great tournament (to be involved in).”
PERSONAL DETAILS – WILLEM van der WAL:
Date and place of birth: October 10, 1984; Boksburg
Height: 1,84m
Weight: 98kg
Favourite food: Braaivleis! (Steak)
Favourite drink: Whiskey and water
Notable rugby achievements: SA Students (2007 and 2008) and SA Students Sevens (2007-09)
Years playing for Pukke: Four years (including this season)
