Scrumhalf Keagan Johannes is relishing the chance to lock horns with Morne van den Berg when the Vodacom Bulls and Lions conflict within the large Jukskei derby on Friday.
The Bulls beat Griquas in Pretoria final week to remain unbeaten on the prime of the Currie Cup, all however reserving their spot within the playoffs, whereas the second-placed Lions mauled defending champions, the Cheetahs, in Bloemfontein.
Within the penultimate spherical of this yr’s version of rugby’s oldest competitors, the Herd host Mzwakhe Nkosi’s fees at Midstream Faculty in Olifantsfontein.
Van den Berg, who began his first of two Assessments for the Springboks towards the Wallabies two weeks in the past, has dropped out of Rassie Erasmus’ squad to face the All Blacks within the Republic on 31 August and seven September.
The livewire halfback is offered for the Delight as their frontline stars put together for the 2024-25 Vodacom URC, and talking in a Bulls convention on Monday, Johannes addressed their potential showdown.
“It’s a possibility for me to check myself and the place I’m at,” he instructed reporters. “Congrats to Morne on making his debut for the Springboks [against Portugal], and it’ll be a superb problem if he does play.”
Capable of play scrumhalf and flyhalf, Johannes has featured prominently for Phiwe Nomlomo’s males within the Currie Cup this season and believes his versatility and goal-kicking makes him a precious asset to any group.
“That’s what we wish right here on the Bulls, guys who can play a number of positions. It helps the group a lot,” the 24-year-old mentioned. “Personally it’s one thing I’ve been engaged on, to cowl 9 and 10.
“It makes my alternative within the group a lot simpler; if a coach can have freedom to select you on his bench or beginning he has cowl in a couple of place.
“The purpose is sooner or later to play [Test rugby]. Proper now I’m pushing for the URC and as you possibly can see how Jake [White, director of rugby] is choosing his group, it’s guys who’ve performed a couple of positions of their profession. I simply have to show I can do it.”
“I really feel each participant desires to develop his sport in each side however for now I take pleasure in taking part in scrumhalf. I wish to obtain much more in that place however I’ll play wherever they wish to decide me,” Johannes added.
“My kicking sport and structured play has developed loads on the Bulls. The group understands the plan, not solely within the Currie Cup but in addition the URC.
“For now the main focus is on doing nicely on this Currie Cup and we’re attempting to win it, and by doing that each participant can present Coach Jake what they’re able to.”
On the problem posed by the 4-0 Lions on Friday, Johannes says, “This weekend, it doesn’t matter what group the Lions put out, you possibly can cherish these moments.
“Each groups are taking part in superb rugby in the meanwhile and this weekend’s going to be powerful. All of it comes all the way down to physicality. If the pack does nicely it offers so many alternatives for the backs of each groups.”
Picture: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Photos
