One of the most fearsome sights during a rugby game is to have a 1.92-metre tall player weighing 125 kilograms running at you at full speed with the ball in hand. If you don't tackle, he will score. 

This scenario could play out tomorrow afternoon when Tuks clashes against the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) at home in Round 2 of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield camapaign. 

Tuks co-captain and loosehead prop, Ethan Burger, has fine-tuned the art of scoring tries. One of his best efforts last year was during the Carlton Cup tournament. The big man intercepted the ball on the half line and sprinted for 50 metres to dot down under the poles. It was not the only try he scored. At a rough estimate, Burger reckons he has dotted down at least eight times last year for Tuks.

His ability to get the numbers on the scoreboard to tick over can be ascribed to his admiration for the legendary Springbok prop, Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira. 

"He is to me the personification of what a modern-day loosehead prop play is about. It is how I want to play. Being a prop is not only about the set pieces. I want to run with the ball, gain metres for my team, make big tackles and still give 100% every time we pack down to scrum.

"If I can dominate in the scrum, there is a real chance the opposition will be penalised. Scrums are also a good way to sap the opposition's energy. Take their 'heart' out and make them not want to meet us face to face the next time we pack down."

How tough is it to play as a prop?

"I want to be better than my opposite number every time we scrum so it can be challenging. When the scrum goes forward, your body absorbs all the pressure. It can take a lot out of you."

Interestingly Allister Williams (hooker) is Tuks's other captain. It is strange to think both captains are in the front row. It is not to Burger.

"I don't think it matters what position the captains play. What matters is that they need to be on the same wavelength. Allister and I are on the same page about what is expected from us as a team. For us, there are never any halfmeasures. We give 100%, and we expect 100% from our teammates.

"From a personal perspective, being a captain means being the source of energy for the team. You have to turn on the switch and lead by example.

"What happened during last year's Varsity Cup Tournament is a big motivation to all of us. To have lost all seven games hurts, but it does not help to dwell on it. We now have the opportunity to fix the mess we have made. To take Tuks rugby back to where it belongs. We could be the first team to win the Varsity Shield and Varsity Cup in consecutive years. 

"But we are not taking anything for granted. Tomorrow against CPUT, we will play as if it is a final. There will be no getting ahead of ourselves."

Kick-off is at 15:00 at Tuks. Stadium