All Blacks legend backs Stormer
Whitelock says Barbarian Van Heerden has a lot of motivation v Boks
BARBARIAN: Ruben van Heerden
Image: BackpagePix
ALL Blacks legend Sam Whitelock is backing Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden to make his mark against the Springboks on Saturday in the colours of the Barbarians.
Whitelock, assistant coach of the invitational side, spoke highly of the 27-year-old Van Heerden who will relish the chance to measure himself against the Bok locks at the Cape Town Stadium (5.10pm start) after an outstanding United Rugby Championship season.
Despite the strong campaign for the Stormers, Van Heerden was unlucky not to get a call-up from the national side.
But with an abundance of locks, the world champions are in a fortunate position with depth.
Sam Whitelock, the most capped player in All Blacks history, will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current club season in France BACKING: All Blacks great Whitelock
Image: AFP
The next best thing for Van Heerden would be to show the selectors that he wants to stay in the Bok conversation, and a good performance for the Barbarians can help with that.
According to Whitelock, a lineout expert in his 153-Test career for New Zealand, he’s had a couple of conversations with Van Heerden and will keep his door open for him.
“It’s been cool. We’ve had a bit of time to catch up, and have a yarn about rugby and what I am doing now,” Whitelock said about his chats with Van Heerden.
“Some people [in the squad] I know really well, some I do not. He’s someone I didn’t know a lot about, but it’s been nice to get to know him personally.
“If there’s anything he wants to know, I’m an open book. I’ll help him however I can.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him get out there and play. He’s got plenty of motivation.”