The meteoric rise of Junior Springbok stars JJ Theron and Cheswil Jooste to the ranks of the Vodacom Bulls has been nothing short of cinematic, and much of the credit goes to a not-so-secret weapon: coach Johan Ackermann. Fresh off their World Rugby U20 Championship victory, this duo has transitioned smoothly into the Bulls’ lineup for the new Vodacom URC season, thanks in large part to their prior rapport with Ackermann.
Lumumba Currie, the Junior Boks assistant coach, emphasized the advantage of this familiarity. “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 explained. He highlighted the continuity in coaching as a significant comfort and boost for both player and coach.
“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.”
Theron, taking on the role of No 8, has quickly become a pillar of strength for the Bulls. His blend of physicality and leadership that was so critical in the Junior Boks’ success has translated seamlessly into his professional play.
“As a player, he has a very strong character,” Currie noted. “He’s one player that 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.”
While Theron has been thriving, Jooste’s journey has hit a slight snag with an injury. However, Currie remains optimistic about his comeback, praising Jooste's unique talents and fearless approach. “Cheswil is a special player, there’s some individual brilliance in there,” he said. “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.”
With such promising talents under the tutelage of a familiar coach, the Bulls are poised to make a significant impact in the URC, signaling exciting times ahead for fans and foes alike.
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The meteoric rise of Junior Springbok stars JJ Theron and Cheswil Jooste to the ranks of the Vodacom Bulls has been nothing short of cinematic, and much of the credit goes to a not-so-secret weapon: coach Johan Ackermann. Fresh off their World Rugby U20 Championship victory, this duo has transitioned smoothly into the Bulls’ lineup for the new Vodacom URC season, thanks in large part to their prior rapport with Ackermann.
Lumumba Currie, the Junior Boks assistant coach, emphasized the advantage of this familiarity. “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 explained. He highlighted the continuity in coaching as a significant comfort and boost for both player and coach.
“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.”
Theron, taking on the role of No 8, has quickly become a pillar of strength for the Bulls. His blend of physicality and leadership that was so critical in the Junior Boks’ success has translated seamlessly into his professional play.
“As a player, he has a very strong character,” Currie noted. “He’s one player that 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.”
While Theron has been thriving, Jooste’s journey has hit a slight snag with an injury. However, Currie remains optimistic about his comeback, praising Jooste's unique talents and fearless approach. “Cheswil is a special player, there’s some individual brilliance in there,” he said. “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.”
With such promising talents under the tutelage of a familiar coach, the Bulls are poised to make a significant impact in the URC, signaling exciting times ahead for fans and foes alike.