Cobus Wiese of the Vodacom Bulls wins a line-out for his team. Picture: Gerhard Duraan, BackpagePix
A boyhood dream of playing next to his brother for the Springboks is fuelling Cobus Wiese to reach greater heights with the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Wiese, younger brother of double World Cup-winning Bok Jasper, recently returned to South Africa after four years of rugby in England to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a Bok. The utility forward, comfortable at lock and flanker, found a home at Loftus Versfeld and has already put in a couple of performances to help the Pretoria team to victories.
He wants to contribute more as the Bulls set their sights on keeping their winning momentum and unbeaten record as they head overseas in the URC.
“It’s definitely a dream of mine and Jasper, to play together one day, and it being for the Boks will be the number one prize,” the Bulls forward said on Monday.
“Back in 2018 I was in the Springbok squad, but broke my neck and to be quite honest, I became complacent and thought it (being selected for the Boks) would just happen. I think now, it’s easy to see what you need to do to be in the Springbok squad.
“Look at the guys there now, they have an impeccable work-rate and they stay true to the players they are. Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth are good examples. Weekly they do what they are known for.”
But before he can think of national honours, Wiese first wants to contribute at the Bulls who've been runners-up twice in the URC – something they would like to change this season. They are currently one of three unbeaten sides as they head on a four-week tour of Europe where they want to maintain the status quo.
After demolishing Ulster 47-21, the Loftus side head to Wales first for a tough encounter against the Ospreys. Wiese's experience in the north will be crucial for the Bulls as they hope to stay unbeaten.
“One of the important things up north is you have to win the territory game, and it’s forwards-orientated, especially if the weather’s bad. You have to stay disciplined.
“It’s a set-piece after set-piece kind of match. If you are at the short end of that stick, it will be a long day. If you have a dominant forward pack, I think 60% of the game is taken care of and world-class game-drivers stands you in good stead.
“The positive thing for this season is that we now have a squad that's been in big-time situations. They’ve been in two finals that we lost, and they know the feeling. In terms of mindset, there is now that expectation to perform and come away with the trophy in the middle
“It gives me massive confidence that If I can add my bit, then we can go all the way this season. I think everyone knows this is a perfect opportunity to bring something home this year.”
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