Rugby: Move from South Africa successful

Ross Geldenhuys.
Ross Geldenhuys.
Ross Geldenhuys was looking for something different - and he has found it.

The South African-born Highlanders prop has made rapid strides since arriving in New Zealand at the start of last year.

Geldenhuys took up an offer from the Waitohi club, in Marlborough, to be the rugby development officer in the area.

He helped his club team through to the finals of the Marlborough club competition and then was a key man when Tasman made it to the final of the ITM Cup.

During that time, his play round the field and impressive scrummaging caught the eye of Highlanders coaches and he was offered a two-year deal at the southern franchise.

The man who was born in Cape Town and schooled in the Eastern Cape is now looking to stamp his mark in Highlanders country.

He admits some worries over whether he should make the move to New Zealand but it has worked out fine for him so far.

''There is always a little bit of doubt and I tried to erase that doubt pretty quickly. I had massive dreams and aspirations. It has worked out extremely well,'' he said.

''I'm pretty happy to be in this environment. The Makos was a pretty good environment for me.''

Geldenhuys played 18 games for the Lions in 2008 and 2010 and also sat on the bench for the Stormers, but with not much happening in his career decided to take the chance and link with the club in Marlborough.

Having faith put in him was a huge boost to his career.

''I think being backed is massive in a rugby player's career. There have been great players that I thought were great that have played very little games. A lot of it is opportunity.

''I had the opportunity to come and do something different and it worked out. There are probably many stories where it hasn't.''

Geldenhuys (31) has had a big week. His wife, Madlein, welcomed a second boy to the family on Tuesday.

Baby Viggo arrived safe and well, and mother and son were quickly home and getting settled that day.

Big brother Jetley (2) was taking it in his stride and enjoying his new brother.

The tighthead prop said there was not much difference between rugby in New Zealand and the game in South Africa.

''Rugby is rugby, all round the world. The main thing is I've had a sniff and it has been awesome. We have great props here. Training is a battle. Every day we go hard against each other.''

Geldenhuys is the only survivor from last week's Highlanders front row to play the Reds tonight.

Ash Dixon comes in at hooker for Liam Coltman, and Brendon Edmonds will start ahead of Josh Hohneck.

Lock Joe Wheeler moves to the bench, replaced by Mark Reddish. In the backs, Marty Banks starts in front of the absent Lima Sopoaga.

The Highlanders are still some way from must-win territory but have received a tough draw.

In their first four games, they face the three teams to have won the past four titles and the perennially-contending Crusaders.

To win tonight, the Highlanders must be more accurate, run hard and knock the Reds down early.

They do not want to take an 0-2 start to Hamilton next week.

• Live scoring and analysis on the ODT website (www.odt.co.nz) from 7.15pm.

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