Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann is playing a vital role in guiding JJ Theron and Cheswill Jooste’s transition from the Junior Springboks to the URC.
Ackermann, who served as a consultant during the Junior Boks’ triumphant World Rugby U20 Championship campaign earlier this year, has brought both youngsters into his Bulls setup for the start of the new Vodacom URC season.
And according to Junior Boks assistant coach Lumumba Currie, that existing connection has been key to their early impact in Pretoria.
“JJ is a student of the game and it made it easy for him to get into the Bulls setup having worked with coach Ackers,” Currie told News24.
“To have a coach you’ve worked with from one setup to the other helps. JJ worked with coach Ackers from the academy days and all the alignment camps, and now to move forward to a professional franchise and get to work with the same coach – it’s comforting for both the coach and the player.”
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Theron, the powerful No 8, has been one of the Bulls’ standout performers in the opening rounds of the URC, bringing the same physicality and leadership that underpinned the Junior Boks’ pack during their title run.
“As a player, he has a very strong character,” said Currie. “He’s one player who you want in your team. Even if he’s not playing well, he’ll still show leadership qualities and provide stability within the team. Where he is now, I can confidently say he deserves to be there because he’s worked his way into that squad and matchday 23. It’s a big role he’s playing at the moment.”
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While Theron has made an immediate impression, Jooste’s time in the senior spotlight has been briefly interrupted by injury. But Currie believes the explosive winger will make an equally big statement once back on the field.
“Cheswill is a special player, there’s some individual brilliance in there,” said Currie. “He has no fear and if he gets to showcase his talent, he’ll skin you alive.
“He’s a guy who can take punches and also likes to throw a punch. He’s so confident in his skill set and that goes with the coaching he’s received from the junior ranks.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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