VIDEO: Currie Cup hugely important says Bulls coach

VIDEO: The Currie Cup still has a huge role to play in South Africa albeit to breed the next generation coming through says Werner Kruger, forwards coach of the Bulls’ Currie Cup side.

The Bulls had a tough outing in the first round of the Currie Cup last weekend when they managed to come away with a win against Western Province in monsoon-like conditions in Cape Town on Sunday.

Their next fixture is this Sunday against the Griffons in Welkom.

Kruger and Bulls flyhalf Jaco van der Walt had a sit-down with the media on Wednesday and both were asked about the status of the Currie Cup and if it is still a viable and prominent competition in the country.

“It’s always going to be the breeding ground for the next generation coming through,” Kruger said.

“It is going to add massive value for players that possibly need more game time.

“It’s obviously a struggle at the moment to fit it in and where we can possibly fit it in in the future, but it is going to play a massive role in the South African rugby calendar,” Kruger mentioned.

He said while the focus has shifted from competitions like the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, one still needs to look at the next generation of players coming through, and in that the Currie Cup is important.

“The focus has shifted a little bit, and especially here at the Bulls.

“It gives us the ideal opportunity for the younger players and then the ball is in their court and they can open doors for themselves.”

Van der Walt spent seven years in Scotland with Edinburgh where he also made his international debut for the Scots.

He said when he left South Africa he never thought he would be playing in the Currie Cup again, but he loves to be back and playing in a ‘big’ competition like the Currie Cup.

“I love being back in the Currie Cup.

“I made my debut in the Currie Cup in 2014 so it is exceptional to be a part of such a big competition again,” the flyhalf said.

Van der Walt is under no illusion about his place in the pecking order at the Bulls. He hasn’t had much game time in the URC and says one must use every opportunity that comes their way.

“With so much depth in the team and especially a team that played in a URC Final, it is difficult to get game time.

“With the [top] players enjoying a rest, it is a great opportunity for guys to get game time.

“I firmly believe you only improve by playing as much as possible and this is the ideal chance for guys that didn’t have a lot of playing time to prove themselves.

“Every person gets frustrated when they don’t play, that is why you need to keep a level head and stay positive so you can make a difference if the opportunity is there.

“That is part of rugby,” Van der Walt said.