Bloemfontein – Former Springbok and Free State lock Barend Pieterse is set to make a comeback after more than a year out of the game.
Pieterse, 30, who called an end to his career at the end of 2008, is planning an official comeback in the Currie Cup. However, if everything goes well, he may well be involved in the latter stages of the Super14.
Pieterse says that he has never stopped training and has been involved in the game since his retirement.
He trained with the Cheetahs on Wednesday, and worked as the their lineout coach last year.
“I believe I still have rugby left in me,” said Pieterse.
The 1.96m lock does not want to put himself under unnecessary pressure and is therefore only eyeing the Currie Cup. He will give his all and take things as they come.
“If it works, it works. If not, I won’t be down and out,” he said.
Pieterse played for the Free State from 2004 until 2008, and was involved in the teams that won the Currie Cup.
He did not represent South Africa in a Test, but was in the 2007 tour squad to Europe and wore the Green and Gold against the Barbarians at Twickenham.
That is why Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské will be delighted with Pieterse’s decision. He does not only provide more depth at lock, but his experience may be invaluable.
“It will be nice to be able to replicate the success of last year’s team,” said Pieterse.
Source:www.news24.com –
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he’ll be back in the Super 14 team by the third week of the competition, mark my words. Class player
@robdylan (Comment 1) : Marked. 🙂
Why did he retire?
@McLovin (Comment 3) : got tired of losing
@robdylan (Comment 4) : 😀
@klempie (Comment 5) : although if that was the case, he’d be joining the bulls
@robdylan (Comment 6) : Fair point. 😆
Barend is a good lock, whith a high workrate. I remember a couple of year back, when the cheetas won their first curriecup in 29 years, he had Matfield’s number in the lineouts, stealing a couple of lineout throws from the Bulls.
@boepie (Comment 8) : yeah – not bad for such a “little” guy
A year’s rest at the right time can prolong a career considerably. Just ask the likes of Os and Johan Ackerman.
@MysticShark (Comment 10) : ja, spot on. This oke is a valuable guy to have in any squad. Surprised the Lions haven’t signed him yet.
@robdylan (Comment 11) : maybe he is a “senior overseas-based south african” 😕
He used to be a Lion before he moved to Bloem
@walter van Lions World (Comment 13) : ja, dit is waar, kan so iets onthou
26 caps in 3 seasons, 2001 to 2003
@walter van Lions World (Comment 15) : really? I don’t remember that. I know he went to school in Pretoria.
@walter van Lions World (Comment 15) : Do you carry these stats around in your head, or on your computer? 🙂