Brits relishing his time at the Cavas
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Sanlam Boland Cavaliers outside centre David Brits announced his return to 15s rugby in emphatic fashion on Sunday, helping steer the Cavaliers to a dramatic 36-35 win over the Toyota Cheetahs in their opening Carling Currie Cup Premier Division clash at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington.
Brits (28), playing against his former team, produced a standout performance in front of a vibrant and packed stadium. He not only crossed the tryline himself but also set up flyhalf Ashlon Davids’ second five-pointer of the afternoon, making the final pass to Davids.
The home team won the match with Donovan Don, just like Brits, a Blitzbok loanee, scoring the winning try in the 88th minute. Brits’ performance was full of energy, which would have pleased head coach Hawies Fourie, who coached him at Maties and the Toyota Cheetahs.
The former Selbourne College star is on loan from the Springbok Sevens setup and is relishing the opportunity to be back in the 15-man format.
“It’s been absolutely incredible, said Brits when asked about his time at the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers thus far. “Honestly, it’s some of the most fun I’ve had playing rugby in a very long time. It’s a real privilege to be back playing the 15-man game again and to be part of a team that’s so hungry to succeed in the Currie Cup. It truly feels like a blessing.”
He says facing his former team made the occasion even more special.
“Making my debut for Boland was very special, especially going up against my former team. And for us to get the win the way we did… I’ve never been in a game that went eight minutes over time and still ended with a win like that. It’s something I’ll remember for a very long time.”
Brits reflected on how special it was to have familiar faces in the stands – a luxury not often afforded in the globe-trotting HSBC SVNS circuit.
“Just to be able to play in front of your loved ones and friends again – what a privilege. Don and I don’t get that opportunity often with Sevens, because you’re usually playing at strange hours, especially in South Africa. So, to walk out onto that field knowing my mom, my girlfriend, and some of my best friends were in the stands, that was incredibly special.”
Brits believes the Cavas have the right mix to do something special this season.
“We’ve got fantastic coaches and an incredible amount of talent in the squad. Even after just one game, you can already feel what it’s doing for team cohesion. I truly believe this team is capable of delivering some outstanding performances.”
Britz and the Cavaliers travel to Kimberley this weekend and will be hoping to pull off another victory against Pieter Bergh’s Kwaste.
