Brink unfazed by battle with the twins
With a Lions loose trio that focuses more on pace and guile, the imposing blindsider will have his work cut out against the Du Preezs.
Cyle Brink of the Lions with possession during the Super Rugby match between Emirates Lions and Highlanders at Emirates Airline Park on May 18, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
Big Lions flanker Cyle Brink has downplayed this weekend’s Super Rugby clash in Durban as a direct confrontation for World Cup places against the Sharks’ muscular Du Preez brothers, Jean-Luc and Dan.
Brink only recently returned from a long-term knee injury, while the Du Preez siblings have both shown some excellent form.
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“I’m just happy to get time,” Brink said.
“They are good players and I always want to test myself against the best players in the whole of Super Rugby.
“It’s not something I worry about. I just worry about my own game and how I play.
“It might distract you a bit if you worry about things like that.”
Due to his bulky appearance and preference for lifting weights, Brink has been referred to as the enforcer of the side.
“I take a lot of confidence in gym work and doing weights,” he said. “It’s a thing from school days and I wouldn’t say I’m an enforcer, but I like to play a hard game and be physical.
“I don’t think gym work has an impact on how you play and your attitude on the field.
“It’s more of a mentality and everybody has a different box they like to tick.”
Brink and injured Lions captain Warren Whiteley often compare notes because they have both battled with knee injuries.
“I don’t know how similar his injury is to mine. I know it’s in a different place in his knee and obviously affects different things, and mine has settled a bit quicker than his did.”
Earning two-straight wins in an inconsistent season brought a bit of momentum to the Lions side, but Brink was focussed on his own role in the squad.
“My role is the same as last year. It hasn’t really changed and the coaches don’t really put pressure on you by telling you that have to be in this form or that form.”
Lions: Andries Coetzee, Courtnall Skosan, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Elton Jantjies, Nic Groom, Kwagga Smith (c), Cyle Brink, Marnus Schoeman, Marvin Orie, Stephan Lewies, Johannes Jonker, Jan-Henning Campher, Dylan Smith. Bench: Pieter Jansen, Sti Sithole, Carlu Sadie, Reinhard Nothnagel, Vince Tshituka, Hacjivah Dayimani, Shaun Reynolds, Tyrone Green.
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