Boeta Chamberlain had some good and not-so-good times playing for the Sharks, but now that he is a full-blown Bull, he is ready to let out some secrets about his former team for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld (5pm kick-off).
Chamberlain will be hoping to get the nod from Bulls coach Jake White this week after playing off the bench in last Saturday’s 33-32 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.
The 25-year-old flyhalf saw veteran Springbok fullback Willie le Roux slot in at No 10 in the Mother City, where he produced some memorable and questionable moments.
White himself said afterwards that Le Roux as a flyhalf “is making me bloody old”, as the mercurial playmaker sometimes takes the difficult route when an easier solution is available.
So, that could see the steady Chamberlain get more than just the eight or so minutes of game-time he received as a replacement against the Stormers – and perhaps even start against the Sharks on Saturday.
The former Paarl Boys’ High pivot certainly aided his cause this week as he revealed valuable insights about the Sharks to his new teammates.
Asked by Independent Media on Tuesday about why the Bulls tend to play with much more freedom on attack at Loftus Versfeld than away from home, Chamberlain said: “It depends on the team we play, because with every team, we have a different game-plan.
“We do our homework differently and come up with a plan that we think and feel will fit the best for that weekend.”
Then Chamberlain added tongue-in-cheek: “With me and Aphiwe (Dyantyi) being at the Sharks for quite a while, I gave a bit of inside information (about) how they want to play and what they are looking for and stuff!
“We’ve definitely go a good game-plan going into this weekend – knowing what to expect, and individuals that they have and what they can bring as well.
“So, it’s just trying to focus on our game-plan, and execute it as best as possible.”
Having spent five seasons with the Sharks in Durban, Saturday’s clash is sure to be a bit more spicy for Chamberlain, although he tried to downplay any extra motivation that he may look to gain.
“I’m definitely looking forward to it, yes! But at the end of the day, a game is still a game. If you try to amp yourself up too much for a specific game, you tend to lose focus on what is important for the weekend,” he said.
“For me, it’s just another game – it’s basically like training against your mates. So, I don’t see it as any bigger or more important (than any other game).”