Alulutho Tshakweni is not your everyday loosehead prop.
Looking lean and mean, the 26-year-old from Mdantsane near East London resembles more of a loose forward than a front-rower – and he explained the story behind it this week ahead of the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld (2pm start).
“Back in the day, in high school, I was a lock-flank, and I changed later to prop. I think it was a very good change, and I haven’t looked back ever since,” the Hudson Park High product said.
“I am a bit lighter than many other props, but Wilco (Louw) is built different. I bring my energy and work-rate, and not just scrumming – although it’s very important. I just play rugby, man.”
Tshakweni was also a fast bowler for his school’s cricket first team at the age of 16. “I could bat also, and before I started gymming, as I then lost all my pace!”
But now he is getting ready to square off against Lions juggernaut Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who has dominated the URC and earned an invite to the Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town next week.
The Bulls will feel confident of getting the edge in the scrums after they destroyed the Sharks last weekend.
But it is about utilising that front-foot ball, as Jake White’s team still lost 29-19 to the Durban outfit.
The Lions, though, boast arguably a stronger scrum at the moment, so the Bulls need to be wary of not thinking they just need to pitch up to win the forwards battle.
“Definitely, we can stop him (Ntlabakanye)! We have been going very well in the last couple of weeks as a pack of forwards. We know that they are a very good pack, but we are a good pack ourselves, and it is going to be a very good battle,” Tshakweni said.
“I know the type of pack the Lions have – very consistent, very good systems. They know what they’re doing in the lineouts and scrums.
“The last game against the Lions, we didn’t have any scrums when I was on for the last 15 minutes or so. So, I’m also ready to show (my worth) and stamp my mark on the game.
“If we keep on doing what we have in the last few games, we will give our backs the ball in the right way. We just need to focus on our scrum again, as it’s going to be a massive battle.
“Especially if it rains and the wetness, everything becomes a tight forward battle.
“Last weekend, not everything went our way. We missed a lot of opportunities, and really felt hard done by, in terms of how we played as a group. We want to have a better game this weekend, and it would be good to hit the double against the Lions.”
Former Cheetahs prop Tshakweni wasn’t part of the Bulls match-23 against the Sharks, but did see some action in the 35-22 win over the Lions at Ellis Park a few weeks ago.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench on Saturday, he hopes to get a chance to make a contribution.
“Everyone wants to do their part, and we want to bring the energy. Whether you play 20 or 30 minutes, we must just keep the momentum going,” Tshakweni said.
“I have been scrumming a lot against big names like Wilco, (Francois) Kloppers and Mornay Smith. I want to add value to the team.
“If you train hard enough, you will get your chance. We are doing our best to prep the guys each week, but also need to show the coaches that you are ready for the opportunity.
“Everyone wants game-time, but there are not enough competitions – although we can’t complain, as other unions don’t play enough games.
“But it’s a team sport, and when you do get your chance, you have to take it. It does suck (to not play a lot), but it’s just one of those things on the rugby field.”