Lions scrumhalf Haashim Pead believes his dramatic match-winning try against the Sharks in Durban last month could prove a turning point in his young career.
The Junior Springbok star, who was named Player of the Tournament at last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, has had to be patient for opportunities at senior level in the Vodacom URC and EPCR Challenge Cup.
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But when his moment came in January, he seized it – dotting down at the death to sink the Sharks on their home turf. Now he’s eager to play an even bigger role for the return derby on Saturday.
“It (the winning try) was very important, I needed it to give my confidence a boost,” Pead said on Tuesday after the Lions’ training session at Ellis Park.
“After that match I felt like myself again. I then knew that I have it in me to play at an even higher level.”
While game time has been limited at times, Pead’s stock continues to rise in a competitive No 9 environment at the Lions – much like the situation he encountered in Durban, where the Sharks boast multiple Test-capped scrumhalves.
Back in Johannesburg, he finds himself working alongside Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, affectionately known as “Krappie”, with the internal rivalry sharpening standards.
“The competition among the scrumhalves here with us is very good. We all learn from each other, we push each other to be the best. At the end of the day, that’s what makes you a better player and also a better person,” said Pead.
Despite growing calls in some quarters for him to start more regularly, the 20-year-old is content to bide his time and absorb everything he can.
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“It is absolutely not a bad thing for me to be a substitute. I play alongside Krappie, he’s a Springbok and I have the opportunity to learn from him. That makes me a better player,” said Pead.
“Obviously the coaches also have a plan. All I have to do is trust the process that is being followed, because then everything will work out.”
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
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