The Namibian international was instrumental in helping the Pirates return to winning ways on Sunday as they defeated visiting Moseley 52-16 at the Recreation Ground.

Although fly-half Alberto Di Bernardo took the headlines with his 32-point haul, it was the performance of the the no-nonsense African which rightfully won him the game's man-of-the-match accolade.

Senekal bossed the restarts, while up front his rugged approach helped punch numerous holes into the rearguard of the Midlanders, who themselves had come into the game on the back of an impressive home win over Bedford Blues.

"We know there are not going to be an easy game in this division this year, so we can't afford to take anyone lightly. We have to be on top form and give 100 per cent in every game."

Certainly Senekal and his team-mates responded to coach Jim McKay's pre-match call, the Aussie demanding an immediate response from his side following their setback at Blundellsands.

However, Senekal felt Sunday's clash was the tougher of the two games against the newly-promoted sides, he added: "Moseley are a very good side.

Today was probably the tougher of the two games and the scoreboard probably doesn't reflect how much they put into the game. They worked very hard and put up a really good performance."