Andries Bekker believes Vodacom Bulls co-captain Ruan Nortje, among the youngsters called into the Springbok alignment camp, has the potential to become a Test regular. DYLAN JACK reports.
Nortje is one of 12 Vodacom Bulls players who will be taking part in the 43-man alignment camp, held over two days in Cape Town in the first week of March.
The 25-year-old made his Test debut as a substitute in the second Test of the July series against Wales in 2022, which is his only appearance for the Boks so far.
However, named as Bulls co-captain with Marcell Coetzee, Nortje has enjoyed an influential URC season, with his work-rate and command of the lineout key to their push for a top-four finish.
Former Springbok lock Bekker, who has worked closely with Nortje as the Bulls’ forwards coach, believes his prodigy can add many more Test caps to his tally.
“I think Ruan has had a fantastic season so far,” Bekker said. “His injury set him back a little bit. When he’s match-fit, then he will begin working. But he’s clever and he’s one of our leaders.
“I hope he can play lots of Tests for the Springboks.
“The one great thing about Ruan is that he is very smart. He understands the game. His general knowledge is very good. One of Ruan’s better attributes is his leadership. He is calm, smart and clear which makes it easer for us.
“The thing I picked up early in pre-season was to work on his basics, his lineout and jumping skill. He is very smart with his decision-making and how we plan the week. It was just those finer skills that we worked on. He’s not perfect, but he is getting there.”
Bekker, who started his coaching career in Japan after hanging up his boots in 2018, is impressed with the depth that the Vodacom Bulls have in their pack.
“Reinhardt Ludwig is one of the golden finds of the season so far. He’s clever and he wants to keep getting better. I think his workrate is something that makes him special.
“For him, it’s easier because he’s learning from Ruan, who is one of the better locks in the country.
“They are young players. The other young lock we have is JF van Heerden, who is 19 and hasn’t played for us in the URC yet. The depth we have at lock is very good.
“At loose forwards we have young guys like Mpilo [Gumede] who want to work hard and get better. Then we have experienced guys like Marcell and Wilco [Louw]. So it’s a young squad but it’s exciting to see how they want to improve.”
Photo: @BlueBullsRugby/Twitter
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
