An intense battle of the pivots can be expected when the Isuzu Southern Kings take on Edinburgh Rugby in a Guinness PRO14 Round 14 clash at the Nelson Mandela University’s Madibaz Stadium on Saturday.
Ntabeni Dukisa, who earned his first starting berth of the Isuzu Southern Kings last week in their narrow 17-24 defeat to the Toyota Cheetahs, is in line for another start in the No10 jersey.
South African-born Jaco van der Walt, who played a crucial role in Edinburgh Rugby’s European Rugby Champions Cup 19-10 victory over Montpellier last Friday, is also likely to be selected at flyhalf by Head Coach Richard Cockerill this week.
The 30-year-old Dukisa was one of the standout players for the Isuzu Southern Kings who came agonisingly close to a win, or at the very least a tie with the Toyota Cheetahs after scores were level 17-17 at the 80-minute mark last week before the visitors snatched an injury time win.
For Edinburgh last week, Van der Walt also starred for the Scottish side as he slotted in 14 of the side’s 19 points in their win over Montpellier – four penalties and a conversion.
Dukisa has had a lengthy professional career since making his senior debut at the age of 21 for the Border Bulldogs in 2010 before going on to make Currie Cup appearances for Griffons, Eastern Province, and Griquas ahead of stepping up to Vodacom Super Rugby with the Isuzu Southern Kings in 2017.
His career has not been without its challenges, particularly through injuries.
“It really is great to be able to play and contribute to the team after a long time of battling with injuries,” Dukisa reflected.
“I’m just glad that I managed to pull through all the injuries and now I have an opportunity to play again.”
The former Luyolo High School scholar has also made his way around the park having played at flyhalf, fullback and at wing. He has, however, shown his mettle at No10, with an impressive defensive attribute to his game.
“I really like the position (flyhalf). However, I like just playing rugby more. So you can put me anywhere on the field, as long as I’m playing and can make a contribution – I’ll take any position,” he said.
“When one gets an opportunity and gets some time in a certain position or on the field, then you gain some confidence.
“I have high confidence in my defensive work. I’ve been working hard on that over time. And of course, there are other areas too that I continuously work on to improve my game.”
Edinburgh will be relying on Van der Walt to continue with the accuracy he possesses with the boot which is his strength. The Isuzu Southern Kings will be looking at Dukisa to maintain his defensive work while marshalling the backline with determined when the two sides meet.
“We have to play to the structure first, and then our own abilities and strengths come second if they are not part of the team structure. For me, the team will always come first ahead of my own person interests,” said Dukisa.
“Above any personal ambitions, I would just like to see us, as a team, winning a few more matches. It does tend to be difficult when those wins start becoming few and far between. I think just one more win will bring some positivity around the team environment.”
Most people will be familiar with the town of Potchefstroom, which is where Van der Walt hails from. But very few will have heard about the location of Tyusha, situated between King William’s Town and Stutterheim, where Dukisa hails from.
On Saturday the people from Tyusha and Potch will be closely watching their favourite sons go head-to-head in what promises to be an appetising battle of the No10s.
Both teams will be naming their match-day squads on Friday.
The match will kick off at 17h15. Tickets for the match are available at TicketPro outlets and will be on sale at the Madibaz Stadium gate for only R20.
Alan Straton
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