As the Vodacom Bulls prepare for another shot at URC glory, it is impossible to ignore the impact Cameron Hanekom has had since returning from injury.
The powerful No 8 had been sidelined for nine months with a knee injury, forced to watch as the Bulls navigated a difficult start to their campaign. But his return has coincided with a resurgence that has carried the Pretoria-based outfit all the way to the final.
Hanekom’s influence extends far beyond what appears on a team sheet.
Few players possess his combination of power, athleticism and work rate. Whether carrying into heavy traffic, chasing kick-offs or making tackles in the wider channels, he brings an energy that lifts those around him.
Cameron Hanekom is at the end of a perfect Bulls set-piece
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Perhaps most impressive is how quickly he has returned to his best after an extended lay-off. There has been little sign of rust. Instead, Hanekom has looked every bit the player who has generated excitement among coaches, teammates and pundits alike.
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Former Scotland lock Jim Hamilton is among his admirers.
“Wicked. Incredible athlete. Delivers all the time. He’s robust. You very rarely see many youngsters in the pack for South Africa. If you think about the South African pack, who’s the next up and coming youngster? I think this lad is.
“Not a Pierre Spies, but maybe more in that athletic profile of how he plays and how he moves.”
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It is high praise from a man who spent years competing against some of the best forwards in the world.
For the Bulls, Hanekom’s return has provided another weapon in a squad packed with talent.
Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
The post Friday Night Lights: SA’s next great forward appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
As the Vodacom Bulls prepare for another shot at URC glory, it is impossible to ignore the impact Cameron Hanekom has had since returning from injury.
The post Friday Night Lights: SA’s next great forward appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
