"They are a Champions Team" London Irish's Benhard van Rensburg Is Ready to De-Thrown Saracens in London Derby
This weekend’s round of Gallagher Premiership action will be closed off by a London derby, as London Irish make the trip up to the Stone X Stadium for a clash with Saracens this Sunday. The hosts are the current league leaders, yet come into this match following a rare drop of form.
Two defeats in a row for Sarries saw them exit Europe at the hands of La Rochelle, and also drop precious Premiership points against Northampton Saints last weekend. London Irish back Benhard van Rensburg spoke to the media today, and highlighted how Saracens will be back firing ahead of the London derby.
“Saracens are like a ‘Champions team’. So I mean, you can always expect them to bounce back. I mean, it’s still two tough games, playing La Rochelle away, and even Northampton away, who’s also in contention for the playoffs. And I mean, they are also tough to beat at their home as well. So yeah, I mean, we can always expect a bounce back from Them. I think it’s going to be a different game at their home as well. So yeah, it’s going to be an exciting game on the weekend.”
Despite necessarily being as locally-charged, as the seven mile separation for the London Irish v Harlequins grudge matches, Saracens are still viewed as neighbouring rivals who they want to get the better of, by the London Irish players. Irish managed to overcome the odds for a 29-20 win against Saracens in December, but van Rensburg recognises how this weekend could well be different at the Stone X.
“Definitely. I mean, every time we play against even Harlequins and Saracens it’s always a big game for us. And I mean, at this stage of the season, we are now it makes it even a bigger game. So yeah, I’m really looking forward to it. And I think obviously, a lot of the guys see it as a London Derby, same as against Quins, so it’s going to be a big game.”
London Irish are just two points behind fourth-placed Northampton Saints, and have the advantage with a game in hand. Van Rensburg discussed the weekend’s predominant focus of beating Saracens, and continuing in the right direction for the Premiership play-off places, and a shot at the title.
“I wouldn’t say the main focus is on the playoffs, I would say it’s more on just Saracens at the moment. I mean, obviously, to make the playoffs we have to beat them but I’d say our focus is just on Saracens at the moment. You know, take it one step at a time. And then after that, we’ll see where we are.”
“For me, it’s always ike to try and compete against the best. I mean, I’m not sure where I’ve heard a saying one day where, “if you want to be the best you have to compete against the best” or something like that. That’s how I’m thinking. So yeah, I mean, I’m really looking forward (to the match), it’s going to be a good challenge.
“I really enjoyed playing with ‘Jenno’ (Rory Jennings) in the midfield in those last few games. So yeah, hopefully we can stand up against those guys this weekend.”
England contender Tom Pearson has returned to the London Irish camp, after an extended absence due to injury. Pearson is unconfirmed for the match against Saracens, yet van Rensburg recognises how good the back-rower has been, amongst the other Exiles’ England stand-outs such as Henry Arundell this season.
“I think obviously, everyone has had a good season for us so far. And I mean, that’s why we are where we are now, in contention for the playoffs. I think some of the youngsters like Tom Pearson and Chandler Cunningham-South off the bench.
“Those guys have been amazing for us this season, they’ve made a big impact. Someone like Henry, and that ‘X-Factor’ that he brings. I mean, he’s been out with injury and with England as well. But I mean, when he’s playing for us, that X factor that he brings to the team, it helps a lot.”
Van Rensburg has been the ultimate workhorse for London Irish this season, and leads the way for minutes played in the Gallagher Premiership. A complete cardio machine, the 26-year-old discussed the secrets to his stamina, whilst making a joking reference to his off-field injury that he suffered late last year.
“I’m trying not to step on any knives. That’s the only thing that keeps me out of out of games. Yeah, I’m very grateful that I’m healthy and not getting any big injuries, or not getting any injuries. And then yeah, week in week out, I just try and recover, just try and try and do my ‘everything’.”
London Irish’s Director of Rugby Declan Kidney praised the South African born star in an earlier press conference event, and highlighted how Van Rensburg is a true professional.
“Yes Benhard has been very good for us since he arrived. And he’s getting a little bit more notice now around that. He’s He’s brilliant for turning up for work. He has played his way through bangs and knocks as well, and you know, that statistic that you just told me there, it really doesn’t surprise me.
But I think that’s a credit to his professionalism. He’s a he’s a hard man to hold back from training and from playing matches. So, we are delighted with how Bernhard has been performing, ever since he joined us.”
