Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann may be forced to rejig his back three ahead of URC matches against Welsh opposition.
After exiting the Investec Champions Cup with a 25-21 loss to the Glasgow Warriors last week, the Bulls remained in Europe to prepare for fixtures against the Dragons in Newport (17 April) and Scarlets in Llanelli (25 April).
With Sebastian de Klerk ruled out for the season and both Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheswill Jooste picking up injuries in Scotland, Ackermann admits the balance of his outside backs has become a critical focus.
Against Glasgow, Ackerman deployed David Kriel at fullback, with Jooste and Arendse on the wings.
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“We’ve got a strong back three and, if they are on fire, we want to keep that [combination],” Ackermann said on the Megafoon Rugby podcast.
“The kicking game and the aerial contest are always going to be a big factor. You want your forwards to dominate the set-piece and get you over the advantage line, but then your backs have to win the aerial battles and handle the kicking game well.
“Now we’ve maybe got another challenge this coming week with Cheswill and Kurt-Lee getting injured in our last game.”
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Central to any rejigged back three could be Springbok Canan Moodie who is prized for his versatility.
“Canan is a very important player for us,” Ackermann said. “When he plays at 13, his defensive organisation and communication really stand out.”
Moodie formed a centre pairing with Harold Vorster against Glasgow but has also played on the wing several times this season.
“He’s still one of the best wingers around, but defensively his strength is at outside centre,” Ackermann explained. “Now, with injuries, we have to decide where we use him best for the team.”
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Ackermann highlighted Moodie’s on-field leadership. While only 23, Moodie has made 72 appearances for the Bulls and earned 21 Test caps for the Springboks, winning the 2023 World Cup.
“He’s part of our defensive leadership group,” the Bulls coach said.
“Cheswill is still learning his trade and and the players around him are really helping him a lot.
“As an individual he’s good defensively, but in the system they’re helping him a lot and that’s what we expect from our senior players – to help the younger guys.”
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
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Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann may be forced to rejig his back three ahead of URC matches against Welsh opposition.
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