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VIDEO: 20 stone lock they call 'The Giant' looking to 'rock' the Pro14
By RugbyPass
Lubabalo Mtyanda, a part-time musician and a full-time rugby player, is looking forward to the more abrasive type of game he will experience in the newly formed Pro14 competition.
The affable 31-year-old - who stands 1.99 metres (six feet, six-and-a-half inches) tall and tips the scale at 128 kilogramme (just over 20 stone) - spoke about the "excitement" and "positive" vibe in the Port Elizabeth-based franchise's camp.
Still recovering from a knee injury he suffered in the Super Rugby competition, he is hopeful of being available for the opening round of the competition - when they take on Pro12 champions Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, on September 2.
The second row forward, affectionately known as giant, does not come from a rugby background.
He confirmed to rugby365 that he was into music and studied opera at school. In fact he still belts out a few songs with his baritone voice at the occasional wedding.
Source: Rugby365
While Mtyanda idolises famous Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti, he 'loves to smash' opponents on defence and hopes to 'rock' the Pro14.
There are currently no big record deals on the table, but he is hopeful of returning to his singing routes in the not too distant future.
He had no hesitation in listing "physicality" as the stand-out feature of the European game for him.
"It is going to be more physical than what we are used to in Super Rugby, where the approach leans more towards evasive and running rugby," he said, adding: "There it is much more direct.
"There won't be that much stepping, because if the wet weather."
While most pundits will suggest the Kings played a more expansive game this past season, as they went on to win six games - three consecutive victories, including the Waratahs in Sydney.
However, Mtyanda said it was their versatility that made them successful.
"We used brute force, but also had an evasive backline. We used our power and skill,"
He said they are looking forward to taking on the Pro12 champion Scarlets in the opening round.
Source - Rugby365
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Latest Comments
Wales were lucky the Boks should put 60 points past them
Go to commentsI'd rate the brothers Hendricks a point or two lower. Jaden has really not delivered on his early promise and Jordan's kicking at posts was quite erratic. Amongst other things.
I was really surprised that DuhDuh was replaced and not Jordan. DuhDuh had a great game and just underlined his class in a backline that was not firing on all cylinders.
Damian Willemse was missed. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness and have an injury free 2025 (and '26 and '27 and so on until he decides to retire to spend time with his grandchildren).
RG was great. What an athlete.
Very happy that Hanekom made his debut at last. He gave a good account of himself and will hopefully grow into his role on the international stage.
All things considered, this was another frustrating Bok performance. Even though it was a comfortable win, it wasn't a commanding win. This Welsh team should've been put away by a far larger margin.
But I have faith in Dr Rassie. He knows more than I do. Bring on 2027 😁
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