Why South African rugby is the best in the world
South African derbies in the United Rugby Championship are the pinnacle of franchise competition according to a local star.
Bulls star Nizaam Carr believes that South African rugby derbies in the United Rugby Championship are the pinnacle of franchise competition.
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SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Carr is chomping at the bit to get his chance to prove that he is worthy of a Springbok recall and hopes to impress against the Sharks.
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“We know the Sharks is a very physical team. They are set-piece driven and we are excited,” Carr said.
“We as players like judging and testing ourselves against the best in the world and we [as South Africans] are the best in the world because we are back-to-back World Cup champions.
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“I’m looking forward to it. These are the games where you find out if you are a big player or not.
“My whole career since high school is always sort of having to prove myself, and I guess it’s like that for every other player – you want to show that even at this age you still belong at this level.
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“A number of times, especially with my family, they say, I’m old and bald and things like that. But I always want to prove that I’m capable of being at this level and outshining guys who are current Springboks.”
TO BE THE MAN WHO HAVE GOT TO BEAT THE MAN
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Carr hopes that shining against a Springbok-filled Sharks team will put him back in the frame for international duty.
“I [have played for Springboks] and a good example for me is Deon Fourie winning a World Cup [aged 37] this year,” he said.
“That is hope for a lot of us to get back in the set-up, and there’s no better platform than against those guys [Bok-laden Sharks] this weekend, or any SA derby.”
Carr is set for something of a Stormers reunion with Eben Etzebeth and Sikhumbuzo Notshe visiting Loftus.
“I grew up with them in Cape Town, so definitely going to throw them a chirp or two,” Carr said.
“Eben is a solid character and an even greater rugby player.
“Notshe has improved so much and taken his game to another level.
“So, really looking forward to it.”