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- White defends Steyn Cape Town - Stormers flank Nizaam Carr says he's in no rush, but is ready whenever the Springboks need him.
According to the MyPlayers website, South Africa has always boasted an abundance of talented loose forwards, with the likes of Duane Vermeulen, Willem Alberts, Francois Louw,Marcell Coetzee, Schalk Burger, Siya Kolisi and Oupa Mohoje currently competing for positions in the Springbok starting line-up.
This competition should become even tougher in the ensuing weeks as a notable player making an impact in Super Rugby this season is Stormers flank Nizaam Carr.
The 24-year-old has impressed on attack and defence, with a strong work ethic and a high level of fitness and endurance.
He delivered another outstanding performance during the Stormers' 16-0 win over the Bulls last weekend, gaining 42m from 11 carries, making seven tackles and having a strong presence at the breakdown. His offload also put Jaco Taute through for the Stormers' only try.
"The boys are really happy with the performance against the Bulls. We were on top of things in the first half and managed to keep the Bulls out, despite fading a bit in the second half," Carr said.
"Our focus is on the Sharks, who will be aiming for a win at Newlands this weekend in order to qualify for a home semi-final.
"The Stormers have grown as a collective during Super Rugby this season," he added.
"The game plan we are establishing suits our players. Without the pressure of qualifying for the playoffs, the coaches have given us the freedom to express ourselves with ball in hand, which has grown our attacking confidence.
"We have a good blend of experience in our squad. It's been awesome to learn from my childhood hero Schalk Burger, who's been playing so well this year."
Carr has received many compliments because of his current form, including from the likes of former Springbok lock Kobus Wiese and former Springbok coach Nick Mallett. There have also been many calls for his Springbok call-up from pundits and members of the public, especially after being left out for the June Tests against Wales and Scotland.
Carr is no stranger to playing at international level. He was a standout performer for the Baby Boks in 2011, and played for South Africa at Under-18 level.
"The support and kind words have been overwhelming," said Carr. "The fact that people are noticing my game on the field is a huge compliment.
"I'm in no rush to get my Springbok call-up. My main goal at the start of the year was to claim a starting place in the Stormers team. Whatever comes with that is a bonus. But in saying that, I am ready whenever the Boks need me."
Carr also comes from a Muslim background, which makes his achievements even more impressive. He's currently fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which means he cannot eat or drink from dawn until sunset.
"It is challenging, especially after training when I'm thirsty for a bit of water," said Carr. "But there have been players who have done it before me, and there are players who will do it after me. I've done it for three years now, and I've adapted."
Away from the rugby field, Carr runs a rugby academy at Islamia College in Rondebosch East.
He hopes to inspire more young players from his community to achieve higher honours in rugby.
"I've heard that Gio Aplon and Heini Adams are also opening an academy soon," said Carr, who hails from Mitchell's Plain. "I think it's important for players to give back to their communities, and never to forget where they came from.
"I get a great response from the young players, who see me as a role model. They want to emulate my success. It’s a good feeling knowing that I can be a positive influence on others, especially in communities where there is a lot of negative influences on the streets."
