". . . hopefully Cameron will have a good game."
Has Hanekom ever not had a good game?
I can't think of one.
". . . hopefully Cameron will have a good game."
Has Hanekom ever not had a good game?
I can't think of one.
2,100 posts
The stage is set at Scotstoun Stadium as the Vodacom Bulls ready themselves for a seismic clash in the Investec Champions Cup last-16, featuring the explosive return of No. 8 Cameron Hanekom. Fresh off the bench and into the fray, Hanekom is slated to replace the sidelined Nizaam Carr, following his recovery from a knee injury. Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has thrown his full support behind Hanekom, expecting him to thrive amidst the high stakes of knockout rugby.
Having eased back into the thick of things with appearances against Cardiff and Munster, Hanekom is poised to harness his pent-up energy. Ackermann shared, "We’ve really blooded him since his return. It was about getting enough volume into him first, and then he played the last two games." With the stakes elevated, the coach's strategy focuses on leveraging Hanekom’s notable speed and agility to counter Glasgow’s dynamic play.
"Cameron is renowned for his speed and movement. Glasgow are a fast team, with a pack that can move and an exceptional backline, so we felt this was a good opportunity to start him. We want to get him on the field early and let him get into the game. It’s an exciting challenge for us and hopefully Cameron will have a good game."
The composition of the Bulls' loose forwards also hints at strategic depth, with impactful players ready to step in from the bench. "We’ve got guys like Marco [van Staden] and Jeandré [Rudolph] who can come on later and hopefully make a difference," Ackermann noted, underscoring the importance of maintaining intensity throughout the match.
Hanekom isn't just another player; he's a burgeoning force in South African rugby, having recently been a part of the Springbok alignment camp and earning his stripes with a debut Test cap against Wales in 2024. His trajectory, however, faced a brief setback with a hamstring injury during last year’s URC semi-final, halting his run shortly after being named the URC’s Next-Gen Player of the Season for 2024-25.
This Saturday’s game is more than just a test of resilience for Hanekom; it’s a chance to reaffirm his status as one of rugby’s rising stars against a formidable Glasgow squad known for their speed and tactical acumen. With the Bulls rallying behind their young powerhouse, the clash at Scotstoun is set to be a thrilling encounter in the Champions Cup saga.