Schalk says thanks to Newlands fans
SCHALK BURGER talks about the reception he got from the Newlands faithful last Saturday with a glint in his eye and a smile as broad as the length of the hallowed pitch itself.
It’s something that clearly means a lot to the Stormers and Springbok icon, because almost two years ago he was concerned whether he would survive a case of bacterial meningitis, never mind playing rugby again.
“For me, it’s really nice to be back at Newlands and I would really like to thank the fans for the great reception I received,” Burger said.
“Obviously playing in Japan the crowds are a lot quieter and well-mannered and not as hostile!” he said laughing. “You draw so much energy from the great stadium and the people supporting us.”
Burger spoke to the media at a Laureus function in Cape Town yesterday. He has been nominated for the World Comeback of the Year Award for this year’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai on April 15. And the rousing reception he received coming off the bench against the Sharks was an indication of who rugby-loving Capetonians think should win the coveted award.
Burger played with energy and skill last Saturday after only returning from Japan to the Stormers in 42 degree heat on the Tuesday before the clash.
It’s yet another boost for a Stormers team that made it four out of four with their win against the Durban outfit. And they have a chance to make it five this week when they take on the Chiefs.
One of the few pieces of silverware Burger doesn’t have is a Super Rugby winners medal. But while he would dearly like to add that to his collection, he knows that there is still a long slog ahead for him and the team.
“Super Rugby is about momentum, and we have got some momentum now. Last year we got off to a poor start and had to play catch up,” he said.
“But we are not getting ahead of ourselves, and I think that is important. I still think we are a young side, an inexperienced side. But we are playing some good rugby and putting sides under pressure.”
Unlike previous seasons when the Stormers had a bye at ridiculous times during a season, they have a much better draw this year. They will have their first bye after the Chiefs match before going on their four-match overseas tour.
If they can beat the Chiefs on Saturday, they can rest some of their weary legs and look forward to having a real crack at the Highlanders on March 28 in Dunedin in their first match of the tour.
“It comes at a great time for us, because it’s that time of the season when you have a few niggling injuries, and the bye comes at a good time just before we go on tour,” Burger said.
“Two or three games after the tour we have another bye, so it almost works in thirds, which is ideal. When you start with a bye, you know somewhere along the line you have to play 10 matches in a row, and in Super Rugby 10 in a row is a long haul.”
Burger turns 33 this year and is enjoying his last few years of top-flight rugby. But it could have been very different.
“The doctor told me I may never play again, but I immedi- ately I threw down the gauntlet, because as stubborn as a lot of us are, you challenge that. I had a bit of luck a long way, but playing rugby, especially for the Springboks ... a lot of times I told my mates around a braai I just wanted to play one more Test match for the Springboks.”
“I was in isolation and I was seriously ill. At that stage my oldest child was six months old, and I nearly passed away. And to think that you are going to leave your young boy and young wife, it was pretty scary,” Burger said.
Perhaps the only “scary” thing on Saturday will be the sight of Burger running at a few Chiefs at full steam.