Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has explained Marco van Staden’s selection at hooker in a 6-2 bench for Friday night’s must-win Investec Champions Cup clash against Pau.
The most interesting call is that of Springbok loose forward Marco van Staden as hooker cover, with Akker van der Merwe wearing the No 2 jersey at the Stade du Hameau.
Regular starter Johan Grobbelaar has been given a rest having got through a mountain of work recently, according to Ackermann.
“Akker can really do with a big block of playing time and if he can play for most, if not all of the match perhaps, then Marco gives us option to play at flank,” the coach explained. “And we still have the option of [prop] Jan-Hendrik [Wessels] to use at hooker.
“We know Marco’s ability as a loose forward, but he’s also proven he can do a job at hooker.”
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Pau’s approach to the game was a major factor in stacking the Bulls bench with the likes of Van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Cobus Wiese and Jeandre Rudolph.
“They play a lot with their forwards and they kick a lot to turn you around, which means your forwards must work back,” Ackermann said.
“It’s a night game, so the ball could be slippery. Being able to replace six forwards gives us options and physicality later in the match.”
Ackermann also addressed the decision to move Sebastian de Klerk to outside centre, with wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheswill Jooste returning to the starting lineup.
“Sebastian has always said he’s happy to play or cover 13. If you look at his speed and his understanding of the game, it’s similar to what makes Canan Moodie effective in that channel. It also allows us to have guys like David Kriel covering 12, 13 and fullback.”
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The non-selection of Springbok tighthead Wilco Louw was also a calculated decision, according to Ackermann.
“Wilco’s been carrying a few niggles, nothing serious,” he said. “But there are still massive URC games coming up, so a bit of freshness now can help him finish strong.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
