The Sharks are excited by the attacking weapon they have in Jurenzo Julius.
The ‘Boogieman’ was impressive in a losing cause against the Lions last week from inside centre – a position usually reserved for Sharks captain and Springbok André Esterhuizen. Julius normally finds himself at 13 but his bustling runs from 12 caught the eye at Ellis Park.
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Sharks attack coach Dave Williams told News24 the move is part of a broader plan.
“The evolution of the game requires a lot more multiple positions among the players,” he explained.
“Within the backs, we’re on the lookout for multiple positions; I think players sometimes get pigeonholed as a 13 through schooling.
“But the game wants you out of an organisational moment from a lineout or scrum strike and you become [just] a player connected to the attack.”
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Williams believes the positional tweak gives Julius a greater influence on matches.
“Twelve gets you one pass closer to the ball. He’s got that explosiveness to set people up, off-balance them, explode through the game and he has the speed to get away from the line as well.”
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Julius will partner Esterhuizen in the midfield at Loftus on Saturday, and Williams says while he has shown promise at 12, the 21-year-old will still play a lot of his senior rugby in that outside channel.
“You’ve got to give credit to [head coach] JP [Pietersen] for putting him in there, but I think, with his versatility, he’ll still be in that 13 role,” Williams added.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post ‘Boogieman’ to haunt Bulls midfield appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Sharks are excited by the attacking weapon they have in Jurenzo Julius.
The post ‘Boogieman’ to haunt Bulls midfield appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
