Penxe out to put the heat on Harlequins
YAW Penxe intends to use his blistering pace and dancing feet on the European stage to put Harlequins in a spin when Sharks become the first South African team to compete in the Champions Cup.
The Queenstown-born wing insists it is an “honour” to be able to play in the Northern Hemisphere’s premier club competition. The 25-year-old also insists the teams from the South mean business as well as adding extra interest and colour to the tournament for the first time.
Tabai Matson’s Quins will face a stiff test of their character and resolve when then face Sharks in the “Tank” on Saturday. They will also have to deal with going from near freezing temperatures in London to hot and humid conditions in Durban.
Penxe insists he is looking forward to making a little bit of history with his club, but the enjoyment will not be the same if their opening game ends at Kings Park in defeat to their English rivals.
He claims: “We go into every game as if it is a cup final. We have the same attitude whatever the tournament, but this one is clearly very special and unique. It is our chance in South Africa to show the European teams what we can do face to face. The atmosphere will be very noisy and excited. I am sure the fans will love the fact we are playing in the Champions Cup, and will embrace the competition because they are just crazy about rugby.
“Of course it is quite a busy schedule these days, especially if you play international rugby too, but this is a chance to join a fantastic tournament with so many great players. Most of us have just come off a break and we will be fresh and ready to go against Harlequins.
“Whether either the Stormers, Bulls or Sharks can lift the trophy we won’t know until we’ve had a few games and see how the best of South Africa compare to that of Europe. But I am confident Stormers can certainly do ourselves justice and make a strong challenge. We will do our homework on our opponents, including Harlequins who we play first, but it is about what we can bring to the contest and how we can release on them. “Naturally we know some of the Harlequins players very well particularly the South Africans, particularly ex-Shark Andre Esterhuizen plus Wilco Louw and Irne Herbst. We know they have world class players and were English champions recently. So we are aware of the challenge which lies ahead against them.”