Whenever Alulutho Tshakweni is playing, you can’t help but notice his boundless energy.
That is surprising to see from a prop, but not so much when you hear from the man himself that he played in a number of positions over the years before settling on the No 1 jersey. But as much as Tshakweni wants to operate like a live-wire scrumhalf, he knows that he has to get his primary job right first: dominating scrums.
His recent move from the Cheetahs to the Bulls will certainly take him to new heights in that regard, because during practices he will have to pack down against powerhouse Springbok Wilco Louw, who was arguably the best tighthead prop in last season’s United Rugby Championship.
In addition, the Bulls’ first-choice loosehead prop, Gerhard Steenekamp, featured against Ireland recently and was included in the Bok squad yesterday for the Rugby Championship.
So, the competition can only help Tshakweni’s own game in the set pieces, in addition to his high work rate as a ball carrier and defender.
“I have to love my scrumming. That’s my main focus. Everything else is extra,” the 25-year-old front-ranker – who hails from East London – said yesterday ahead of Saturday’s Currie Cup showdown with Western Province at Loftus Versfeld (5pm start).
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“Back in the day, I’ve played at 13, 12, loose forward ... So, my game is well-rounded, and effort-wise, anywhere I can help the team and myself (I will) – just be brave, and do whatever I can do.
“In terms of the energy, that’s just my thing. I am so used to it. When I was at the Cheetahs with Schalk (Ferreira), he would take on the first 40 and I would bring the energy and effort to close out the game.
“I came from the Cheetahs, so I hope to put my name out there and get to the URC squad. But at the moment we are all focused on the Currie Cup and taking it day by day. I want to do my thing and show the guys what I can do. It’s been going well.
“Both teams are very professional. You can see a little bit of a step up, but rugby is still rugby.
“I was at the Cheetahs for three-and-a-half years, and it was the right age for me (to move), even though I could’ve stayed. The Cheetahs is a very good place and environment, but I also wanted to challenge myself and not just settle in one place and be comfortable.”
The Bulls have made a three-match unbeaten start to the Currie Cup, beating Western Province 30-25 in Cape Town, Griffons 52-10 in Welkom and the Cheetahs 25-13 in Pretoria.
But they know that WP will arrive in the capital city this weekend keen to turn things around, after the Capetonians registered their first victory last weekend by thrashing the Griffons 64-15 in Welkom.
“Western Province have rotated a bit, but it’s all young guys who want to play. It’s going to be a tough battle again, and I hope it’s not going to rain this time,” said Tshakweni, who was a Junior Springbok in 2018.
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“Their forwards are a bit stronger than their backs, so it is going to be a good physical battle up front.
“It was tough conditions in Cape Town, and then (against) the Cheetahs and Griffons. We can’t wait to meet Province again in the second round.”
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