Sazi Sandi SAZI Sandi will hope to make a big impact for the Stormers against Ulster on Friday. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Stormers strongman Sazi Sandi says he has soaked up scrumming tips from some of the best in the business in Neethling Fouché, and veterans Frans Malherbe and Brok Harris.
The 26-year-old is in line to start against Ulster this weekend because Malherbe has returned to Cape Town due to Springbok resting protocols, while Fouché has joined the squad following the birth of his son.
“It’s been awesome to soak up the experience of Frans, Brok and Neethling,” Sandi said this week ahead of Friday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster in Belfast (9.35pm kick-off).
“Growing up around them over the last few years has been great.
“After a scrum session, there are times when you don’t know what you’re feeling.
“They’ll lend an ear and chat with me, and whatever I’m feeling, they’ll know exactly what it is.
“It helps me understand the process and what is going on in the scrum,” Sandi continued.
“You get to a point where you first focus on your job, and how you can be better.
“Then you understand how the whole pack is working, and learn more with each conversation.
“Guys like Brok, Neethas (Fouché) and Franna (Malherbe), they’re very helpful, and the information they have given me has been invaluable.
“It’s helped my development as a player as well.”
The 125kg tighthead is relishing the opportunity to opt that knowledge to good effect this weekend in Belfast, where Ulster lie in wait at the Kingspan Stadium following the Stormers’ 29-17 victory over the Scarlets in Llanelli last week.
“It might sound cliché, but it always feels better to play in a Stormers jersey. Every time the coaches give me the nod, I’m more than excited to go,” he said.
“I feel very proud and privileged to play this weekend, and I’m excited I have the opportunity to show my skills.”
Ulster play on a 4G pitch at Ravenhill as artificial surfaces become increasingly popular in Europe due to the bad weather.
South African teams have taken a while to get used to them, but Sandi said that they have now got the hang of it.
“We’ve had a few experiences in the past few years on these pitches, so we know what to expect on them and what to do now, compared to maybe the first season we played in the United Rugby Championship.
“We’re well-versed on it and we know exactly what we need to do, come Friday,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ulster welcome back Ireland international Robert Baloucoune from injury.
The wing, who has four caps for Ireland, has not featured this season because of a hamstring problem, with his last outing coming against Benetton in April.
“It’s been a tough year for him: it’s more than 11 months that he’s been out,” said coach Richie Murphy.
“He’s through a couple of weeks training and is looking really sharp.
“It’s brilliant to have him back in.”
Murphy feels that Baloucoune can be a leader in what is a young group.
“His voice in and around, the changing room... He’s quiet, but when he says something, the lads listen,” he added.
“Especially in our backs, where we’ve a mix of young and old, his experience is vital.”
Prop Andy Warwick and hooker Tom Stewart are also available for selection after injuries, but Ulster are still without a number of key personnel, including Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, Cormac Izuchukwu and Iain Henderson.