Herbst happy just to learn

The edge that has returned to traditional Currie Cup rivalries, like tomorrow’s clash between the Golden Lions and Western Province at Ellis Park, have proved how enthralling the domestic competition remains, fiery Lions lock Rhyno Herbst says.

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen made three changes to his unbeaten side yesterday, with fullback Andries Coetzee and hooker Corne Fourie returning, while Sylvian Mahuza is moved to the right wing.

On the bench, scrumhalf Nic Groom and prop Johannes Jonker have returned from injury, while SA Under-20 flyhalf star Gianni Lombard was also added.

“There’s varsity level and then the next step is the Currie Cup, to give the young guys that platform to excel and to actually put your name out there with the rest,” said the 22-year-old Herbst.

After playing in 11 Currie Cup games last year, Herbst was in the Lions’ Super Rugby group where he learned a great deal from captain Marvin Orie and Franco Mostert.

“The great advantage for guys like me is to learn from the guys who have been there, who became Boks, with Marvin and Sous both Bok locks, which is also my position,” said the 120kg player standing at 1.98 metres.

“I played the first three (Currie Cup games) last year when Super Rugby was still on, and I started the other games from the bench and missed one, so I got 11 caps last year.

“So to start this year has been great, to learn and get more game time.”

Herbst remembered his grandfather Ouboet’s “length and big hands”. He had played at lock for the former Transvaal when Herbst was in his youth.

“What I remember from my dad and grandfather, who passed away five years ago, is that we were born in a rugby family,” he said.

“I’m grateful just to learn from them, the older generation, and get the chance.”