Zebre next challenge in Jurenzo's quest to be 'world-class'

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Jurenzo Julius is aiming for “precision” in Saturday's URC match against Zebre as the Sharks centre looks to live up to Springbok standards.

The Italian side will arrive at Kings Park with a low profile as they currently occupy 15th place on the table. However, Zebre are on a three-win streak – which makes them the hottest team in the competition, barring unbeaten Leinster – and they’re just four points shy of a place in the top 8.

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"We’re expecting a fight,” Julius warned. “The Italian teams are always physical. They've had some good victories against strong teams in the URC. We’re expecting them to come here wanting to cause an upset so we are focused and we won't be taking them lightly."

For 20-year-old Julius, who was last week named 2024 Junior Springbok of the Year, this game is another step toward a bigger goal: becoming a Springbok.

“I need to grow into a world-class player if I want to earn a position in a world-class team like the Springboks," he said, reflecting on the takeaways from the recent Bok alignment camp in Cape Town.

It's a dream that took root after the Namibian-born midfielder moved to South Africa, starring as a schoolboy at Paul Roos Gymnasium before representing the Junior Boks 13 times, and then progressing to Currie Cup and URC appearances for the Sharks where he is mentored by Bok two-time world champion centre Lukhanyo Am.

“I was starstruck when I first joined the Sharks, there are so many world-class players like Siya Kolisi and Lukhanyo Am,” he said. “Lukhanyo has been a really important part of my development.

“We play in the same position and he has been really happy to share the tricks he has. Our relationship has become really strong. He’s among the best centres in the world and I just want to learn as much as possible from him.”

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The Bok alignment camp emphasised quality over quantity: "They gave us some guidelines on how the newer selections can become a Springbok … more so around how I can improve my efforts and be more of a team player.

“Precision is key. I need to be more precise and accurate in all aspects of my game. I need to grow into a world-class player if I want to earn a position in a world-class team like the Springboks.”

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

The post Zebre next challenge in Jurenzo’s quest to be ‘world-class’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.