Embrose Papier is on the brink of etching his name into the annals of Bulls rugby lore this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld. With his potential 170th cap against Zebre Parma, he's poised to surpass the legendary Joost van der Westhuizen, becoming the team’s most seasoned scrumhalf. This landmark achievement highlights another stellar season for Papier, who has shone brightly in the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup arenas. Despite being overlooked for recent Springbok alignment camps, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has hinted at burgeoning interest from the national team's management.
Ackermann shared insights into the ongoing attention Papier has garnered from the Springboks, stating,
"I think they [the Springboks management] have made contact with him,"
"There hasn’t been another camp, but they have made contact with him so I’m sure they’re keeping an eye on him. They’ve chatted to him about some of the things he needs to improve on. That’s good news for us because it means they’re looking at him, but nothing is for certain." Ackermann hopes Papier will continue his exceptional form, acknowledging that much of his future with the national team is beyond their control.
The coach couldn't help but praise Papier's consistent impact and evolution from a promising schoolboy to a professional standout.
"He was outstanding at school and obviously took it forward in his professional career,"
Ackermann remarked. "He’s a very quiet person but he’s a really exceptional 9. The outstanding factors for me are his support play and his speed. The fact that he’s in such good form for us is great, because that was in many matches the deciding factor."
In preparation for Saturday's clash, the Bulls have shuffled their lineup. Willie le Roux is set to start at flyhalf, Kurt-Lee Arendse will take up the fullback position, and Canan Moodie will move to outside centre, adding fresh dynamics to the team’s strategy.
This game not only marks a significant personal milestone for Papier but also presents an opportunity for the Bulls to solidify their tactical prowess with their revised lineup.
2,100 posts
Embrose Papier is on the brink of etching his name into the annals of Bulls rugby lore this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld. With his potential 170th cap against Zebre Parma, he's poised to surpass the legendary Joost van der Westhuizen, becoming the team’s most seasoned scrumhalf. This landmark achievement highlights another stellar season for Papier, who has shone brightly in the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup arenas. Despite being overlooked for recent Springbok alignment camps, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has hinted at burgeoning interest from the national team's management.
Ackermann shared insights into the ongoing attention Papier has garnered from the Springboks, stating,
"I think they [the Springboks management] have made contact with him,"
"There hasn’t been another camp, but they have made contact with him so I’m sure they’re keeping an eye on him. They’ve chatted to him about some of the things he needs to improve on. That’s good news for us because it means they’re looking at him, but nothing is for certain." Ackermann hopes Papier will continue his exceptional form, acknowledging that much of his future with the national team is beyond their control.The coach couldn't help but praise Papier's consistent impact and evolution from a promising schoolboy to a professional standout.
"He was outstanding at school and obviously took it forward in his professional career,"
Ackermann remarked. "He’s a very quiet person but he’s a really exceptional 9. The outstanding factors for me are his support play and his speed. The fact that he’s in such good form for us is great, because that was in many matches the deciding factor."In preparation for Saturday's clash, the Bulls have shuffled their lineup. Willie le Roux is set to start at flyhalf, Kurt-Lee Arendse will take up the fullback position, and Canan Moodie will move to outside centre, adding fresh dynamics to the team’s strategy.
This game not only marks a significant personal milestone for Papier but also presents an opportunity for the Bulls to solidify their tactical prowess with their revised lineup.