By Lucky Vince Pienaar
Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe have often been on the rugby field together, but never as opponents.
As individuals and as a strong front-row combination for both the Stormers and the Springboks, they are considered by many to be among the best in the world.
But then Kitshoff joined Ulster and for the first time, they were on opposing sides.
When Ulster played the Stormers on 30 March, there was real anticipation of these two legends going head-to-head.
It was a historic moment when Kitshoff, playing loosehead for Ulster, scrummed directly against Malherbe, tighthead for the Stormers.
Malherbe came on in the 50th minute and immediately joined a scrum.
The scrum was close to the Ulster tryline in the middle of the field with Ulster to feed the feed. In a low-scoring match, it could not have been more important.
Did the two former teammates avoid eye contact? Yes, they did, but front rowers are not known for friendly smiles when they line up to scrum.
What does it mean that the Stormers pushed the Ulster scrum back five metres to get the penalty, with Malherbe tapping Kitsie lightly on the cheek as they stood up?
Just because Ulster lost the scrum doesn’t mean that Malherbe beat Kitshoff. Or does it?
Kitshoff came off the field before the next scrum and, likely, those two facing each other will never be repeated.
And now, less than two weeks later, the Stormers have announced that Steven Kitshoff is heading back to the team, a long time before his contract with Ulster expires.
Truth be told, Kitsie never looked happy in Ireland. He seemed tentative and reluctant to play.
The Red Disa financial takeover of the Stormers has given John Dobson the luxury of offering Steven Kitshoff his old job back. He shouldn’t have gone in the first place.
It’s definitely not a case of “if you can’t beat them, join them.” Or is it?
Pictured above: Steven Kitshoff.
Image source: Ulster Rugby/X
