The return of Gurthrö Steenkamp will act as a huge boost for the Blue Bulls as they attempt to pierce a few holes in Western Province on Saturday.

Steenkamp this year showed that he can score tries most wings would be proud of, but his work at scrum-time is what sets him apart from others.

Another equally vital area where he contributes is in defence where his tackles are often the reason why he wins the Bulls' weekly managers big-tackling prize - which is appropriately titled "The Hitman Award".

Steenkamp was one of the standouts during the Super 14 and he is one of only a few Boks who can look back at the Tri-Nations knowing that he let no one down.

And the Bulls will be hoping he picks up where he left off in the Green-and-Gold as that all-important home semi-final is still within their reach.

But despite having experienced one of his best seasons of his career, Steenkamp, like most professional sportsmen, believes the best is yet to come.

"The hard work for me starts now and there is no such thing as being in a relaxed mode," he said.

"I constantly want to get better and continue to play at a certain standard and it is always easy for a player to lose focus and get big-headed, but my feet are firmly on the ground and I really want to just constantly improve so I'm happy there are more opportunities to do that."

Steenkamp is also confident that the Bulls have enough to retain their Currie Cup crown.

"We definitely have the ammo for it, there is a great squad of players here and I believe the team did well throughout the season even though there were one or two hick-ups," he said.

When asked what his thoughts are of Saturday's north versus south derby the loosehead said that matches of this magnitude is what he plays for.

"Of late the Province games have been very physical and high paced as well. We're expecting a big battle up front and I think the same goes for out backs who can expect a few challenges. It is one of those games you live for and want to be a part of," he explained.

Although he is not one of the contracted Boks who had to be rested after the Tri-Nations, Steenkamp started feeling the effects Test rugby were having on his body and was given some time off. But he described being back in action against Province as the cherry on top.

"Playing in a high profile game like the one against Province - I don't think you can ask for a better game to get back into the set-up," he added.

"It's definitely going to be a big game - there are no illusions about that - and I am really looking forward to playing for the Bulls again. I see it as a big challenge.

"I think the [Bulls] team has shown a great fighting spirit and character throughout the season. We had maybe one or two games where we fell short, but the guys did really well to get us to this point."