IT’S a massive season coming up for the South Coast Warriors. And perhaps in more ways than one, with the players having beefed up to match their premier league opponents this year.
Last year’s vice-captain and scrum-half Chris Mitchell (28) has been one of the players who has hit the gym in earnest.
“Let’s just say I took advantage of the bulking stage,” he chirped.
The players are now in the conditioning phase, where agility and speed work is the focus.
Chris is seriously looking forward to the season, with the opportunity to take on the big clubs in the Moor Cup.
“We want to finish at least mid range,” he said.
Last year he was ‘looked at’ for possible selection to the Sharks XV (one below Vodacom Cup level).
“I’ve worked on changing my physique to see if I can match these guys and see how it goes,” he said.
He plays a key role in the team as vice-captain and feels it actually helps keep him calm. Or calmer.
He’s a fiery live-wire behind the pack, but can see the value on staying on the field the whole game.
“Don’t want to let the boys down by being in the bin or off the field,” he said.
Meanwhile, Armand Grobler, still only 19, could prove to be one of the stars for the Warriors this season.
Previously from Pretoria, he’s been based on the coast for the past three years, having been involved with the Vikings Academy.
He has also previously played for the Sharks U19 in the Currie Cup, as well as the Pumas U21 the year before that.
Armand stands at 1.96m and weighs 107kg which is still somewhat shorter and lighter than Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth who is 2.04m and weighs around 123kg.
“We trained with the Boks for six weeks when I was with the Sharks so got to meet him. He is really huge,” said Armand.
While Armand has played both lock and flank in his career, it seems he will be scrumming down in the second row this year.
He may not have Etzebeth’s physical presence (who does?) but he has a burst of pace that is definitely going to surprise some opponents this year.
He has big dreams and hopes to further them this year by contributing to the Warriors’ cause.
“The Warriors is a real family club. I believe we will do well this year, but it will need long hours of practice, commitment and fitness,” he said. “But I’ve got faith we can do it,” he said.
Seasoned campaigner Dawie Durrheim is hoping to round off his rugby career with a big season this year.
His first goal will be to get through it without injury. “Last year I missed out after breaking my hand, and the year before that I had a neck problem due to a pinched nerve,” he said.
Now aged 31, Dawie intends hanging up his boots at the end of the year. “I’ve been part of this club since I was about 15 years old,” he said.
But now, with a two-year-old daughter and a job as a sports coordinator at Izotsha Primary, his time is a little more limited.
He doubts he’ll have any regrets. He has played for Southern KZN at times, and also enjoyed a stint some years back with Manchester Rugby Club in England.
Dawie, who plays flank, said the Warriors are looking forward to the season, especially being in the premier league.
“I’ll be giving it my best, but competition for just about every single place except maybe lock will be fierce. There’s so much depth, it’s great,” he said.
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