Springbok veteran ‘outpacing’ Bulls teammates

The Bulls – like all South African sides – have endured a challenging start to the URC season, but they will be hoping for a change of fortune as they return to their home turf and welcome back some key players.

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Willie le Roux is among a quartet of Springboks who will boost the Bulls, with teammate Stedman Gans sharing special praise for the immediate impact of the veteran Springbok fullback ahead of this weekend’s clash against Irish side Connacht on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld.

“Willie has been running the fastest at training this week,” Gans said with a laugh. “The guys coming back from the tour are still feeling a bit of the flight home. Willie has been here in SA, so he’s fresh and he’s been outpacing us.”

“We are very happy to have them (the Boks) back,” Gans adeed. “They bring heaps of experience and excitement. I think a few of them could be involved this weekend as well. It just builds the confidence of the team to have that caliber of players back with us.”

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Gans aiming to impress for Bulls

Gans, who said he feels like he has made one of his better starts to a season, could face direct competition from Canan Moodie at outside centre, but is embracing the challenge.

“Since the beginning of the season, with the squad we have, it’s been a very difficult squad to make the team for the weekend,” Gans said. “You have to be at your best every single day.

“With the Springboks coming back, it has gone up another level. They are definitely lifting the squad and everyone is training on a different level, because you want to be part of it, but know you have to be at your absolute best.

“My focus has always been on my own performance,” Gans added. “So I don’t necessarily look at who is in the squad and competing for the same position.

“I just see it as when I get the opportunity in a game or training to do my best, if it’s good enough, then coaches will tell you and select you. If it’s not, they will tell you what to work on.”

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