Bulls prop gets well-deserved chance at Boks
One of the Bulls' most underrated players, forward Gerhard Steenekamp, has been called up to join the Springboks team following the withdrawal of Ox Nché due to injury.
Bulls forward, Gerhard Steenekamp has been called up to the national squad, the Springboks yesterday.
Steenekamp will be part of the group of Springboks that travel ahead to New Zealand in preparation for the Rugby Championship test against the All Blacks on 15 July.
Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber said: “This will be a fantastic opportunity for Gerhard to experience our systems and to be in the national set-up. He’s been impressive for the Bulls this season and he’s a former Junior Springbok, so we are excited to see what he has to offer at training.”
Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White congratulated Steenkamp on the call-up, noting that it is good to see hard work being rewarded.
“To get called up to the national setup is a wonderful opportunity for any rugby player who is patriotic about his country. Gerhard has consistently worked extremely hard over the past few seasons with us and this chance is a nice reward for him and all those around him. I am proud of him. As the Bulls, we will be cheering the team on,” White remarked.
This young giant, who is 1.94 m tall and weighs 128 kg, made a name for himself at school as a loose forward, but he was already moved to the front row as a junior with the Bulls.
After his Springbok call, Steenekamp received one of the best compliments any front row forward could ask for.
This was when the Stormers tighthead prop, Neethling Fouché, tweeted about him and informed the public that Steenkamp will be a worthy Springbok and that he is a particularly difficult opponent in the tight scrums.
Steenekamp is one of those typical front row forwards who plays his rugby without frills and with dedication, although he gets little recognition for his huge role in the Bulls team. His performance stats are among the highest in the team almost weekly.
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