Spies wants his jersey back
Jan 25,2013
Bulls captain Pierre Spies is determined to raise his game in a bid to win back the Springbok number eight jersey.
A dip in form followed by a broken thumb paved the way for an overdue Bok debut for Stormers star Duane Vermeulen, who took to Test rugby like a duck to water.
Spies missed South Africa's disappointing Rugby Championship campaign and their successful end-of-year tour, but is now ready to make up for lost time.
"Competition is always good," Spies told supersport.
"My injury came at the right time and it gave me a lot more perspective, as well as a decent rest. It allowed me to recharge, to find a renewed focus and vision for the year ahead.
"It reminded me how much I want to play for the Springboks again.
"You always have to prove yourself, whether it is to the public, the coach or to yourself. I know I owe myself a good season and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
After leading the three-time Super Rugby champions to the play-offs last year (where they lost to the Crusaders), Spies will once again wear the captain's armband and is confident his team can go one better in 2013.
"Everyone is a year older now and we have a lot more experience. We know each other better and we're in a good space at the moment as a team," he said.
"Last year was a difficult year for everyone, but we've had a good break and have returned more mature. We're really looking forward to the battles that await us."
Comments (14)
Jan 25, 2013 at 11:29:42
You read my mind Spies! You are actually missed but you have to prove yourself! Just play more savage like you used to! Best of luck for the season!
Jan 25, 2013 at 13:12:16
I didn't miss Spies at all, and I don't think his absence made a difference, there are better players who could make an impact in that position, not Spies again. Spies fades away as soon as the game starts, plays a few minutes, and then he gives up
Vermeulen performed well last year, and I think HM should give him another go, he's got a great talent, and his work-rate was impressive.
Jan 25, 2013 at 13:15:01
Yeah....I really don't mind the Bulls at all....but please...no Spies!!!!
Jan 25, 2013 at 13:51:40
Same here Redrevenge, we don't need anymore Heartaches than we already have.
Jan 25, 2013 at 14:52:09
If Spies Plays to his true potentual There will never be another 8th man like hime again. Meyer knows him well and will use him properly I dont see why we cant use both him & Vermeulen Spiese Power & tremendous speed & Vermeulen Power and terifying defence
Jan 25, 2013 at 15:03:49
I have always liked Spies, but man he needs to lift his game big time. Having Vermeulen there, combined with the long rest his had, just might be the trigger we've been waiting for. When Spies is on song, its like poetry in motion and awesome to watch. Take note the Bulls demise paralled Spies's drop in form, says a lot now, does'nt it.
Jan 25, 2013 at 15:09:26
@ Blueblood, there is no doubt about Spies power and speed once in a while; he's a ten minute man, and then he takes his foot of the gas, plus his defence is seriously poor; which means his team-mates would have to work harder in order to balance his incompitence.
He probably performes ok for the Bulls, but not for the Boks.
Jan 25, 2013 at 16:32:12
I Hear you ntanga but then HM should use him in the last ten minutes then. The oppositions tired and as Nick Mallet says He can Bully the opposition we need to use Our strengths more cleverly
Jan 25, 2013 at 16:43:00
Also The guy can Run a 10.7 100m I dont think theres a no 8 in the world that is as fast as the man I wounder if there are that many wings who can run that fast as well.
Jan 25, 2013 at 19:30:03
i am one of spies worst critics,, i said he plays like a girl,,, but only because i know how good a player he can be,,, at one stage he looked unstoppable,,look back to 06-07 he looked like the next lomu,,, i remember he ran through about 5 poms when we played them before the wc 07 in sa,, also that year he was brilliant in the super 14,,, how good was he against the chiefs in the loftus mauling,,, but since the injury that put him out of the 07 wc we just aint seen the same man,,, maybe just maybe the hunger of playing for the boks might just do the trick,, lets see how he goes
Jan 27, 2013 at 16:34:35
Imagine the heart of Gio Aplon in the body of Pierre Spies..
Jan 25, 2013 at 10:52:43
Sounds good Spiesie, now Action!!