Bulls' 'Mr. Versatile' braced for Bok test
08/26/2024 07:42 AM
Scrumhalf Keagan Johannes is relishing the opportunity to lock horns with Morne van den Berg when the Vodacom Bulls and Lions clash in the big Jukskei derby on Friday.
The Bulls beat Griquas in Pretoria last week to stay unbeaten at the top of the Currie Cup, all but booking their spot in the playoffs, while the second-placed Lions mauled defending champions, the Cheetahs, in Bloemfontein.
In the penultimate round of this year's edition of rugby's oldest competition, the Herd host Mzwakhe Nkosi's charges at Midstream College in Olifantsfontein.
Van den Berg, who started his first of two Tests for the Springboks against the Wallabies two weeks ago, has dropped out of Rassie Erasmus' squad to face the All Blacks in the Republic on 31 August and 7 September.
The livewire halfback is available for the Pride as their frontline stars prepare for the 2024-25 Vodacom URC, and speaking in a Bulls conference on Monday, Johannes addressed their potential showdown.
"It's an opportunity for me to test myself and where I'm at," he told reporters. "Congrats to Morne on making his debut for the Springboks [against Portugal], and it'll be a good challenge if he does play."
Able to play scrumhalf and flyhalf, Johannes has featured prominently for Phiwe Nomlomo's men in the Currie Cup this season and believes his versatility and goal-kicking makes him a valuable asset to any team.
"That's what we want here at the Bulls, guys who can play multiple positions. It helps the team so much," the 24-year-old said. "Personally it's something I've been working on, to cover nine and 10.
"It makes my choice in the team much easier; if a coach can have freedom to pick you on his bench or starting he has cover in more than one position.
"The goal is one day to play [Test rugby]. Right now I'm pushing for the URC and as you can see how Jake [White, director of rugby] is picking his team, it's guys who've played a few positions in their career. I just need to prove I can do it."
"I feel every player wants to develop his game in every aspect but for now I enjoy playing scrumhalf. I want to achieve a lot more in that position but I'll play wherever they want to pick me," Johannes added.
"My kicking game and structured play has developed a lot at the Bulls. The group understands the plan, not only in the Currie Cup but also the URC.
"For now the focus is on doing well in this Currie Cup and we're trying to win it, and by doing that every player can show Coach Jake what they're capable of."
On the challenge posed by the 4-0 Lions on Friday, Johannes says, "This weekend, no matter what team the Lions put out, you can cherish these moments.
"Both teams are playing very good rugby at the moment and this weekend's going to be tough. It all comes down to physicality. If the pack does well it gives so many opportunities for the backs of both teams."
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
The post Bulls' 'Mr. Versatile' braced for Bok test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
