Coach Johan Ackermann has explained when 19-year-old utility back Luan Giliomee could make his Bulls debut.
According to Rapport, Giliomee is set to report for duty at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday after completing his Sharks commitments against Leinster on Saturday, but appears unlikely to be rushed into the Jukskei derby against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld.
“The fact that we aren’t in South Africa makes it difficult to say when he will play,” Ackermann told Rapport from Ireland, where they suffered a 26-22 defeat to Munster on Saturday night.
“It’s also not as though he has been sitting at home for the past month and we could send him things to learn – he was focused on the Sharks and we couldn’t overload him with information.
“I can’t say whether he will play against the Lions. It’s a big match and expecting a guy to learn everything within three training sessions may be a step too far.”
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Ackermann is nevertheless excited about working with Giliomee, who has impressed for the Sharks and Junior Boks this year.
“He’s a player with a lot of X factor. He reads the game well and he has already shown that he can play in two positions,” he said.
“We know he’s a No 10 or 15. He’s going to provide good competition for our players. For a young player, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn from Handré Pollard and Willie le Roux, but also, as I always say, to add your own flavour.”
Giliomee was originally due to join the Bulls in December, but an agreement between the clubs brought forward his move after Junior Boks hooker Esethu Mnebelele headed to the Sharks earlier than planned.
“I’m just grateful to JP [Pietersen] and Rory [Duncan] that they agreed Luan could also come earlier,” Ackermann said. “We helped each other.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Ackers plots Giliomee introduction appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Johan Ackermann has explained when 19-year-old utility back Luan Giliomee could make his Bulls debut.
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