Recalled to the Springbok squad after missing out on selection for the World Cup, Bulls openside flank Marco van Staden can make a big statement against national captain Siya Kolisi tomorrow.
Van Staden’s Bulls cross swords with Kolisi’s Sharks in what is effectively a Rainbow Cup SA final, with the Sharks looking to leapfrog the top-placed Bulls to earn a spot in the tournament decider against northern-hemisphere champions Benetton.
Leading tomorrow’s 6.15pm Kings Park hosts by four log points and a 68-point points difference, the Bulls are big favourites to represent SA in Italy on June 19.
Apart from the log battle, there will be personal battles as well, with Van Staden, 25, behind captain Kolisi in the Springbok pecking order.
Of their duel, the 25-year-old says: “You should give 100 percent in every game, and I am not going to focus specifically on playing against Siya [Kolisi].
“Our team has a plan and we will carry it out, so I am not going to do things out of my position to prove a point – that is not what it is about.”
FOCUS: Marco van Staden