Stormers flank-cum-lock Cobus Wiese wants to be the next Juan Smith in South African rugby.
The 21-year-old from Upington has been moved from the back row to the second row by Stormers coach Robbie Fleck this season.
And while he prefers playing on the side of the scrum, Wiese has put in some strong performances in the engine room.
Of playing at lock, he says: “Having world-class players like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi on the flank, I can’t expect to play there.
“I’m just happy to be in the team.”
Like his hero Smith, Wiese is a hard-working player and is being touted as a future Springbok.
He says of his heroes: “From the start, I’ve said Juan Smith is my ultimate [hero].
HERO: Ex-Springbok Juan Smith. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix.
“In the team, guys like Eben [Etzebeth] and Pieter-Steph [du Toit] just gets you going.
“You get to play beside them and if that’s not motivation enough for you, then there’s something wrong.”
After giving their all in last weekend's draw with the Crusaders, Wiese warns that they can’t take their foot off the pedal when they host the Highlanders at Newlands on Saturday.
He says: “There were a few times this year when we’ve had a good game and then came up short in the next one.
“Mentally it’s in the back of our minds - we’re being managed really well this week, so there won’t be excuses of not getting up for this match.
“Defence will be a huge factor, the breakdown as well. If we can dominate them there, opportunities will come. They are a good team and we expect a tough game.”