Whiteley back and raring to go
TWO-PRONGED: AGAINST SHARKS AND FOR BOK JERSEY
Feeling as fit as a fiddle to finally resume his Super Rugby captaincy duties with the Lions this weekend against the Sharks, Warren Whiteley admitted to having mixed feelings during the Springboks’ recently concluded series against England series.
The influential 30-year-old No 8 had to watch from the sidelines following a knee injury that has kept him out since round four of this year’s tournament. But he rejoiced at the Springboks’ series win as if he was present.
“It was frustrating to watch the Boks from afar but it was great to see my great friend Sous (lock Franco Mostert) there,” said Whiteley yesterday.
He also raved over the impact of rookie winger Aphiwe Dyantyi, especially on his Test debut at Ellis Park.
“If the Boks do well all of us are happy, aren’t we? My wife tended to ask me if I’m okay when I watched them play so well. I’d say I’m great, but you want to be part of it and contribute,” said Whiteley.
He has no plans to venture overseas like some of his Lions teammates, especially after it was confirmed yesterday that injured centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg will join English club Sale Sharks with immediate effect.
“For every guy it’s different, everyone is at a different stage of his career. That we stayed together for four years is unheard of in SA, which is testament to the culture we’ve created at the Lions, but I would like to stay.
“When you get to my age, there’s other things influencing your decision. I am fortunate to be in negotiations with SA Rugby, but I can assure you every single guy wanted to stay.”
Whiteley is also relishing the competition for the Bok No 8 jersey, particularly after the immense impact Duane Vermeulen made against England.
“I’ve had a good relationship with Duane since 2014 when I made my Test debut and he probably played his best rugby. I have a lot of respect for him and he’s a guy I’ve looked up to, but we are completely different players.
“We are not competing with each other, I’m really competing with myself.”
Whiteley said it’s nice to be back but that he will probably only reach his desired match fitness level in three weeks’ time.
“The Sharks game would be proper Super Rugby and intense and I hope to contribute to the team the best I can,” he said.