Ackermann tips Bulls speedster to make mark in Springbok set-up
INTERVIEW: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann believes the Springboks will benefit greatly from Sebastian de Klerk’s work rate and versatility ahead of the Nations Championship.
De Klerk has been named in Rassie Erasmus’s 37-player squad for the second leg of the global competition, which resumes in November.
The 26-year-old is among six uncapped players and could make his Bok debut, having been invited to an alignment camp earlier this year.
A foot injury in May halted his progress and kept him out of action for six months before he returned at the start of the season.
He’s been in scintillating form since returning, with his performances earning him a Bok call-up alongside Bulls teammate Luan Giliomee.
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Ackermann, who has five other players in the Bok squad, described the selection as a big opportunity for the duo to learn from the best.
“It’s always nice to get players in the Springbok set-up for the first time,” he said.
“With Luan, we can’t take credit for that; you must look at what he has done at the junior level and also at the Sharks as part of his development.
“I’m happy for Luan but very pleased for Sebastian. To come back and get this opportunity to go and experience the international level of teams and training. What they pick up there, they can bring that experience back into their own game and to the union.”
The Bulls’ mentor has spoken highly of De Klerk on numerous occasions this season.
He insists that Erasmus and his coaching staff will quickly recognise the qualities that have made him such a valuable player at Loftus.
“When you’re at the Springboks, you’ve got the best of the best,” he remarked.
“Sebastian just needs to be himself and settle in. There’s a reason why Rassie has picked him, and they’ll see that when they work with him.
“Hopefully, he will work his way into the team, but let’s be honest, there are quality wingers, but for me, he’s got an unrelenting work rate; he’s physical, fit, and versatile.”
“I know we haven’t played him a lot at 13, but he is covering 13 this weekend, so he can play 13, left and right wing, and his basic skills are good.
“Rassie and those guys are more than capable of recognising what they want against a certain opposition and use that. He needs time to settle in and get used to that environment, because there are quality wingers, but I’m sure he will fit in nicely.”
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