It will be a special occasion for lock Mouritz Botha when Saracens face South Africa’s Absa Currie Cup-winning side, DHL Western Province, at Allianz Park in London on Sunday, November 9.
Botha grew up in the Northern Cape regional town of Calvinia, supporting Die Streeptruie during his formative years, before settling in England where he has since carved out an international career for his adopted country.
Speaking about facing DHL Western Province, just a few weeks after their Currie Cup triumph, an excited Botha told www.saracens.com: “It’s a team that I grew up supporting, and a team I’d have loved to play for when I was living in South Africa. I never quite made the grade at the time, so it’s great opportunity to be playing them at Allianz Park – it’s something I’m really looking forward to.
“Growing up I looked up to guys like Bobby Skinstand, Joel Stransky, CornĂ© Krige, those were guys I respected a lot.
“I remember getting Joel Stransky’s and Garry Pagel’s autograph at Newlands when I was a little boy. It is something that I have remembered since, and it’s what I always think of if I ever get asked to sign one now when we’re at Allianz Park.”
Botha starred in the last time Saracens faced South African opposition, when the north Londoners clashed with The Sharks.
The lock forward produced a series of bone-rattling tackles and carries to help his side to a 23-15 win over the Durban side at a packed Allianz Park.
“For the lads here who grew up in South Africa it’s a great opportunity for us to play against a team’s such as the Sharks, and now Western Province,” he said.
“Hopefully we’ll have the same turnout at Allianz Park as last year against the Sharks, as it was a great occasion, and a brilliant atmosphere last time around. I heard the bar sales were pretty good on the day as well (laughs). With any luck, it will be the same again this time around!”
The match between Saracens and DHL Western Province will get underway on Sunday, November 9 at 13h00 UK time (15h00 SA time).
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