Pierre Spies: Fitter and stronger
Bulls captain Pierre Spies is determined to raise his game in a bid to win back the Springbok number eight jersey.
A dip in form followed by a broken thumb paved the way for an overdue Bok debut for Stormers star Duane Vermeulen, who took to Test rugby like a duck to water.
Spies missed South Africa's disappointing Rugby Championship campaign and their successful end-of-year tour, but is now ready to make up for lost time.
"Competition is always good," Spies told supersport.
"My injury came at the right time and it gave me a lot more perspective, as well as a decent rest. It allowed me to recharge, to find a renewed focus and vision for the year ahead.
"It reminded me how much I want to play for the Springboks again.
"You always have to prove yourself, whether it is to the public, the coach or to yourself. I know I owe myself a good season and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
After leading the three-time Super Rugby champions to the play-offs last year (where they lost to the Crusaders), Spies will once again wear the captain's armband and is confident his team can go one better in 2013.
"Everyone is a year older now and we have a lot more experience. We know each other better and we're in a good space at the moment as a team," he said.
"Last year was a difficult year for everyone, but we've had a good break and have returned more mature. We're really looking forward to the battles that await us."
Comments
FISH says...
spies on the wing? maybe a fw years go when his speed was still intact.........watson no.8???????? that is sheer madness....the ravings of a lunatic....he just doesnt have the chops and it just aint gonna happen
Posted 15:27 30th January 2013
5Lock4ward says...
Spies should be on the wing with either Van Niekerk or one of their up-and-comers at 8. Perhaps even Watson. (Head down, ducking stones in 3,2,1...)
Posted 17:20 29th January 2013
Spartacus says...
Spies = flat track bully according to Nick Mallett, and I tend to agree.
Personally would prefer Juan Smith any day.
Posted 16:29 29th January 2013
philipjfry says...
Spies on Red Power Ranger go-go juice? Now there's a thought. . .
Posted 18:58 28th January 2013
letsgoboks says...
Spies - pull your socks up! Time to play rugby!
Posted 14:44 27th January 2013
JayStarr says...
@ FISH: Agree 100%. Of all major sports, drug testing in rugby must be one of the worst. Especially at high school level, which is where most of the guys start juicing to get big enough to make the 1st team. I have a qualification in exercise science and know what the human body (and genetics) is capable of achieving in a said period of time. I also knew quite a number of guys who did steroids and know what the common physical give-aways are for someone taking them. There is a distinctly different "look" between someone who gained their muscle the hard way and guys who did steroids. But a dead give-away is jaw development like a female bodybuilder (which is why I am so suspicious of Pierre Spies - and Francois Hougaard for that matter)...
I see the signs in the school boys at my gym, who are all players in a top SA rugby school, and have heard them talk about it. I also know that when the Biokineticist at the SA Sports Science Institute who l lectured me wanted to research steroid knowledge/ possible use in top SA rugby schools, not one school allowed her to come close to them. Then you had those four boys testing positive at Craven Week - but then they didn't test any other guys... It was just brushed under the carpet...
At the end of the day there is no way that the powers that be are not aware of the massive steroid-use amongst players - from high school level and up. For me it's the biggest cover-up in world sport, because unlike cycling it's not mainly the top few who do it, it's most of the young guys trying to make it big (pun intended)... And just like with cycling it's only a matter of time before the bubble bursts.
Posted 13:16 27th January 2013
FISH says...
talk of steroids....as though he's the only rugby player, playing at international level to take it...i reckon 90% of players have taken steroids or are currently using steroids on and off
Posted 17:36 26th January 2013
Bones7 says...
I do wonder why the score is with Subject Spies. He has been out for a long time with a 'finger injury' so I can only assume he's been back in his vat while the evil scientists have been scratching their heads as to how to make him ruck and tackle. He hasn't been good since before his embolism, which people in some quarters believe was a cover-up of a failed internal drugs test. I'm not saying this is the case, but if Pedri Wannenberg can get away with taking boatloads of ecstasy and cocaine at the Bulls without anyone realising then a cleverly done cycle of steroids surely wouldn't be that difficult to hide.
Posted 15:32 26th January 2013
Zambokke says...
Bokavenger,I can empathise with your frustrations, but for a guy who was nominated Currie Cup Player of the Year, SA Player of the Year, International Player of the Year etc and had a number of man of the match awards at international level including against the ABs, I have to presume that at some point he was playing good and skill full rugby! I also think that he must have inner ambition, after all he came back to the highest level after he took a year away with blood lots on his lungs.
Posted 12:46 26th January 2013
FISH says...
whats all the talk for? he's a bull of course he'll be back in the bok squad....remember heyneke thinks wynan olivier, zane kirchner and potgieter are bok material......pathetic
Posted 12:28 26th January 2013
jappers1983 says...
Average. Seems a nice chap but still, Bulls fans can only only dine out on his form from several years ago for so long; sure they'll eventually get bored. Rated Van Niekerk as a better 8, and more recently Josh Strauss - shame for SA they both left for European rugby.
Posted 11:39 26th January 2013
passtheball says...
Is he looking for a bout with SBW? Body builder's heads seem to look too small - I guess you can build the muscle there?
Posted 04:14 26th January 2013
BokAvenger says...
@Ed - the rugby gene runs deep in the Avenger family
Posted 03:09 26th January 2013
boksmashoffice says...
I really hope Spies gets back to the level he was playing in the 2007 season. He was awesome. I still believe he has something to offer to the Boks. He will be a fantastic impact sub for the Boks, Alberts to bash up and Spies to finish off in the last 20. I really hope HM takes off the old blue goggles and keeps the back row the same. I would add Broussow and Burger (if fit ) and we have the making off a great Bok team. I think a player that would really add vale to us is Jacque Fourie. Him with Steyn at 13 would be a better combo that JDV at 12 imo. I am just excited that proper rugby will be on. This nothern hemisphere kack i have to watch is just not up to it. GO BOKKE
Posted 22:58 25th January 2013
NHsaints says...
it's a shame because he was a good player, he's just not up to it anymore though, his incredible pace has abandoned him making him average in the loose and he was already average at the breakdown...his only real credentials are that he's solid at the base and a decent(ish) carrier.
Posted 22:09 25th January 2013
masar says...
SPIES IS JUST MARKETING
Posted 21:51 25th January 2013
BokAvenger says...
"Remember guys that he can play rugby. He is very skilful and also fast." - Zambok
Boet, put the cap back on the brandy bottle. He can't play rugby to save his soul and he has absolutely no skill to speak of other than prancing around Camps Bay beach in his speedo. I'll grant you that he is very fast for an 8th man but then so is my granny.
The editor says.... Your granny is an 8th man?
Posted 20:36 25th January 2013
Zambokke says...
Remember guys that he can play rugby. He is very skilful and also fast. Last year we all had the 'look like Tarzan play like Jane' remarks which were warranted. BUT, when he is on fire he can tackle and work at the breakdown. I would love to see a desperate Spies at the top of his game so long as it helps the Bok cause, even as a squad member. Many guys are muscular and fit these days - Bismark, Sonny Bill etc - give the guy a break; big deal if he's more muscular than we were/are!!!
Posted 20:30 25th January 2013
daibok says...
He is going to have to work hard to dislodge Vermeulen. Also, that physique looks more apt for body building than rugby.
Posted 16:15 25th January 2013
BokAvenger says...
Yup, it's that time of year again. The time when Pierre shows off his magnificent tanned physique to obliging photographers and journos who then wax lyrical about his rippling, racehorse-like muscles and how he can't wait to hit his first ever ruck. A few months from now they'll be scratching their heads at the sight big fella in blue who can't tackle, can't ruck, can't catch, can't pass, can't play rugby. "Are that Pierre Spies?" they'll be asking through their brandy and coke.
Posted 14:42 25th January 2013