Coming through South African rugby as a lock can feel brutal at times because there is always somebody bigger, stronger or more established standing in front of you.
When I was coming through the Bulls and Lions systems, I was competing against some ridiculous talent. I grew up in Klerksdorp and came through alongside guys like Handré Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Ox Nche and Pierre Schoeman.
When you are surrounded by players like that, it is easy to feel like you could drift into the background.
But looking back, it made me a better player because I had to bide my time and learn. Every minute I ...