Ruhan Nel can’t wait to take centre stage in his Super Rugby debut when the Stormers travel to the Bulls this Saturday (5.15 pm).
The midfielder has taken to the XVs format well since quitting the Springbok Sevens and was one of the stars of the Western Province team that made it to the Currie Cup final last term.
His form even won him a call-up to Rassie Erasmus' squad for the end-of-year tour.
And with a full Super Rugby pre-season under his belt, the 27-year-old is ready to make his mark.
Of his preparations, which includes picking up three kilos of muscle, the man from Die Baai says he is happy where he is.
CHALLENGE: Bulls' Jesse Kriel. Photo: SAMUEL SHIVAMBU/BACKPAGEPIX
He says: “I think it’s been going well.
“I’ve had my first full Super Rugby off-season. I can pull a bit of confidence from that.
“The body isn’t moving quite as fast as it used to at the Sevens, but you have to bulk up for Super Rugby, especially in the midfield.
“But I’m quite happy with where I am. I still have a lot to learn.”
With Bok No.12 Damian de Allende on his inside, Nel feels that presence will calm his nerves when he battles the Bulls at Loftus.
Of their blossoming midfield partnership, Nel adds: “I’m very excited to play with Damian. He is current Springbok No.12.
EXPERIENCE: Damian de Allende. Photo: BACKPAGEPIX
“I think for any outside centre, it’s a dream to have the Bok inside centre next to you.
“The experience he brings is very calming for me as well. We played a couple of games together on Currie Cup and then on the Bok tour and we got to know each other quite well, so it’s exciting.”
While the two-time World Sevens Series champion is relishing having a Bok as a partner, Nel is fired up about taking on Jesse Kriel, the Bulls midfield star and national team No.13.
He explains: “I trained against Jesse on the end-of-year tour. He’s a very talented player and knows his job really well.
“I make no mistake that it’s going to be tough. He takes a lot of pride in his work, but it’s a nice challenge to have in the first game of the season.”