Veteran fullback Clayton Blommetjies will celebrate a milestone 150th appearance for the Toyota Cheetahs on Friday evening when they clash with the Sharks XV in Round 2 of the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division in Bloemfontein at 17:00 SAST.
While hitting 150 matches is a massive honour, the 35-year-old insists the collective goal overrides personal sentiment.
"For me, it’s just another game, and we want to win it," Blommetjies said. "As Coach Frans [Steyn] said, we must go out and enjoy ourselves, but we need the five points to build on this Currie Cup campaign and prepare for the EPCR and the Toyota Challenge overseas."
Blommetjies debuted for the franchise in 2014 under Naka Drotské. Despite stints with the Bulls, Stormers, Scarlets, and Leicester Tigers, the playmaker insists the Free State is his true rugby home.
"Everything really started here with Coach Naka and Os [du Randt]," he reflected. "I love the brand of running rugby played here. It’s what I grew up with."
As a senior statesman, Blommetjies views mentoring rising stars like Michael Annies and Cohen Jasper as his ultimate priority. He aims to inject tactical wisdom into the Cheetahs' high-tempo philosophy, teaching the youngsters when to attack and when to use an exit kicking game.
"I want to pass on what I learned from someone like Frans Steyn," Blommetjies explained. "Michael Annies just wants to run when he gets the ball. Sometimes the back three can lose their heads. I want to help keep them calm, relax them, and ensure we play in the right areas."
With the coaching staff giving him the freedom to express himself, Blommetjies is focused on bringing silverware back to Bloemfontein.
"At the end of the day, we want to win the Currie Cup. We want to see the stadium full again and make the people of Bloemfontein proud."
