Stedman knocking on URC door again

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls star Stedman Gans says consistency in his performances will be key to him getting back into the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship team.

The 25-year-old has produced a couple of impressive performances in the No.13 jersey in the Currie Cup, but he knows he has more work to do to get centre stage in the URC.

Lionel Mapoe and Cornal Hendricks are currently the preferred choices at outside centre for the Bulls.

“There is no specific thing I need to work on. I just need to be consistent in what I am busy doing,” said Gans.

“The No.13s [Mapoe and Hendricks] who are playing at the moment are playing very well and the team is doing well, so there is no reason to change it now.

“But when my opportunity comes, I must just be ready and I must just keep on improving my game and learn from these older guys because they do have a lot of experience.

“I see this as a learning opportunity to get better.”

While the URC is obviously a bigger tournament, Gans said the Currie Cup is still massive for the Bulls’ players and for Director of Rugby Jake White.

“Most guys want to play in a competition where they don’t feel like extras and they don’t feel like they are just making up numbers,” said Gans.

“They are actually there for a purpose.

“We are fortunate that coach Jake [White] is taking the Currie Cup very seriously, so we are fielding a good side every weekend.

“If you get an opportunity to be part of that then it’s an opportunity for you to put your hand up to play URC.”

Unfortunately, Gans will not be able to build on his performances this weekend as his team’s Round Nine clash against the Sharks in Durban has been cancelled.

The match was called off due to heavy flooding in KwaZulu-Natal.