“I am really in a good space at the moment and feeling confident with my rugby” – Carl Wegner

Toyota Cheetahs lock Carl Wegner has been one of the top performers in the Super Rugby Unlocked. Standing at 2.00m, Wegner has been a wrecking truck, imposing himself on the opposition, resulting in them not being able to deal with his huge frame.

It has been an average return to rugby for Wegner’s Cheetahs, they began with a bang; grabbing back to back home wins against the Phakisa Pumas and Vodacom Bulls, their third game against the Emirates Lions was cancelled due to Covid-19 protocols concluding with the teams getting two points each, after returning from their bye week the suffered losses to the Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers.

Ahead of the Cheetahs crucial game against the Tafel Larger Griquas, I had a brief chat with Carl Wegner about the season and previewing the upcoming game.

Athi Tsotsi: Carl, are you playing some of your best rugby at the moment?

Carl Wegner: Thank you! I am really in a good space at the moment and feel confident with my rugby at the moment. So just enjoying myself out there.

Athi Tsotsi: How would you categories your relationship with coach Hawies Fourie, and how is different from other coaches and how has he improved your game?

Carl Wegner: We have a good professional relationship with coach Hawies where we can be open to each other and I enjoy being coach by him. I have always rated him highly and the fact that he backs me, see my potential and believes in me means a lot and that brings out the best in me.

Athi Tsotsi: The two-week bye, how much did it dent the team’s momentum and form?

Carl Wegner: Yes, I think the 2 weeks broke our momentum a bit because we were in good form and then we came back against the Sharks, not on top form. So, I think we just need to reset and focus on what works for us as a team and get back the momentum.

Athi Tsotsi: Back to back losses, how is the mood in the camp?

Carl Wegner: Back to back losses are never ideal for any team and puts you in a difficult situation but the mood in the camp is still positive because we still in the run for the Currie Cup. And we need to put our focus there.

Athi Tsotsi: The next game against the Griquas, how important is it?

Carl Wegner: Probably our most important game for the next few weeks as we need a solid performance just to get our rhythm back and ensure continuity.

Athi Tsotsi: The Currie Cup, is next, how determined are you guys to defend the trophy and as the defending champions, is there pressure on you guys.

Carl Wegner: I won’t say that we are putting any pressure on our self to win the CC, but rather determined to defend it and play our brand of rugby that we are known for. I will say the team is excited for the upcoming CC as it will be a full-strength CC for the first time in years.