VIDEO: Gans reveals the impact of World Cup winners on Bulls
INTERVIEW: The return of the World Cup-winning Springboks has elevated the Bulls’ training.
This was revealed by centre Stedman Gans.
Marco Van Staden, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and new recruit Willie Le Roux have all started training with the Bulls, following their World Cup success in France last month.
The quartet joined the team on Monday and are in contention for this Saturday’s United Rugby Championship Round Six match against Irish province Connacht at Loftus Versfeld.
“We are really happy to have them [the 2023 World Cup winners] back in the camp,” Gans told reporters.
“They bring heaps of experience and excitement.
“I think a couple of them could be involved this weekend against Connacht
“It boosts the confidence of a team to have that type of calibre players back.”
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The big talking point has been the presence of 34-year-old Le Roux at the Pretoria-based franchise.
Le Roux signed a contract with the Bulls from Japanese club Verblitz during the off-season.
“Willie has been running the fastest this week at training,” Gans said when asked about the veteran.
“The guys coming back from the tour are still feeling a little bit of the flight home.
“Willie has been here in SA, so he is feeling fresh and has been outpacing us.”
World Cup Winners coming your way this Saturday 👀
🎟️ SEE THEM LIVE, GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://t.co/pQ9zq8dLqX#BackTheBulls @vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/oyXose6Jix
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) November 22, 2023
While the return of the World Cup players is a major boost for the Bulls, Gans said it does intensify the contest for spots in the starting line-up.
“Since the beginning of the season, with the squad we have, it’s been a very difficult squad to make the team for the weekend,” Gans said.
“You have to be at your best every single day and with the Springboks, it has gone up another level.
“Everybody is training and preparing on a different level because you do want to be part of it.”
The Bulls will name their team to face Connacht on Friday.
