Embrose Papier is set to carve his name into Bulls history this Saturday, and coach Johan Ackermann believes the Springboks are taking notice.
Papier will make his 170th appearance for the Bulls if he comes off the bench against Zebre Parma at Loftus Versfeld, moving past legendary scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen as the club’s most capped No 9.
The milestone comes amid another outstanding season from Papier, who has been one of the Bulls’ standout performers in both the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup.
Despite missing out on recent Springbok alignment camps, Ackermann revealed there has been communication from the national setup.
ALSO: Bulls need Rassie’s help to keep Papier
“I think they [the Springboks management] have made contact with him,” Ackermann told the media on Friday.
“There hasn’t been another camp, but they have made contact with him so I’m sure they’re keeping an eye on him.
“They’ve chatted to him about some of things he needs to improve on. That’s good news for us because it means they’re looking at him, but nothing is for certain.
“Hopefully Embrose can just keep playing the way he’s playing and the rest is out of his control.”
MORE: Bulls only have eyes on ‘next job’
Ackermann also praised Papier’s influence and consistency over the years.
“He was outstanding at school and obviously took it forward in his professional career,” he said. “He’s a very quiet person but he’s a really exceptional 9.
“The outstanding factors for me are his support play and his speed. The fact that he’s in such good form for us is great, because that was in many matches the deciding factor.”
TEAM: Willie at 10 for Bulls, Canan returns
The Bulls have made several changes for Saturday’s clash, with Willie le Roux starting at flyhalf, while Kurt-Lee Arendse returns at fullback and Canan Moodie shifts to outside centre.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Ackers: Boks have contacted Embrose appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Embrose Papier is set to carve his name into Bulls history this Saturday, and coach Johan Ackermann believes the Springboks are taking notice.
The post Ackers: Boks have contacted Embrose appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
