Elrigh Louw makes Bok vow ahead of Munster clash

SPOTLIGHT: Loose forward Elrigh Louw is ready to build on his impressive performances this year when the Bulls come up against Irish giants Munster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, who can play blindside flank and No.8, has emerged as one of South Africa's brightest prospects and his versatility in the pack should put him firmly on the Bok radar.

Louw is a big presence on the field with his 1.95m/112kg frame and his physicality is something that has troubled many opponents this year.

While contributing to the Bulls' cause remains his top priority right now, his dream of playing for the Boks is something that is on his mind every day.

"Personally, I’m feeling very good, I’m in good shape," said Louw. "We [Bulls] have been working hard on our individual skills and sharpening up over the past few weeks. I think the team will be a lot sharper now that we all know what’s coming."

On his Bok dream, he added: "I think every day, for the rest of my career, I will always have ambitions of playing for the Springboks. I will never throw that ambition and dream of mine out of the window, no matter how long it takes."

Meanwhile, Louw has been keeping a close eye on the visiting Irish side that has claimed four wins out of five games so far in their campaign.

"I rate them quite highly. They are a top-class side, and with a coaching staff like they have, you can never underestimate them," is Louw’s assessment.

"I think they will bring a good kicking game, and a very good game on the ground, in the rucks. But we also have our own plans, and we are not focusing on them more than we are focusing on our own game."

The Bulls go into Saturday's match with only one from four games and so far talk ahead of the clash have suggested that they will have a point to prove and attempt to stamp their authority as one of the front-runners among the South African contingent.

However, Louw has downplayed suggestions that the Tshwane-based side has anything to prove.

"We wouldn’t say we have a point to prove. I think we just owe ourselves a good performance. We just need to show what we can do here at Loftus," he said.

"We are now back at Loftus, our fortress, so it’s going to be a good game."