VIDEO: Bulls young gun feeds on 'pressure' to rise to the top

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls have a knack for developing top-class locks and JF van Heerden is following in some big footsteps.

The 20-year-old is learning fast after making the step up from junior rugby and he seems to be finding his feet with the support system at the Bulls.

Earlier this year, he was still representing the Junior Springboks and just last weekend he was in the thick of things in a Champions Cup clash against Saracens in London.

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“It’s a big difference calling line-outs at SA Under-20 level and then coming to this level,” said Van Heerden, who played the full 80 minutes in the 5-27 defeat to Saracens.

“I suppose it’s good learning for me as a player and everyone has been very open about it. Even Ruan [Nortje] helps me a lot.

“If you have teammates with that experience, it makes it a bit easier.

“It takes a lot of pressure off you if you have a solid plan before you go into a match.”

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On his rapid rise in the Bulls’ set-up, Van Heerden added: “I am very honoured. It’s a massive privilege for me to be a part of the team.

“At times you feel you have a lot of pressure on you, but it is a good learning experience for me as an individual.

“It’s a massive privilege to be in a system like the Bulls and also getting the opportunity to actually play and start a few matches.”

A former Springbok lock in the Bulls’ coaching group is playing a huge role in helping Van Heerden cope with the rigours of senior rugby.

“Coach Andres Bekker has a big influence on my game,” he said.

“He likes being honest and that’s a trait that I appreciate.

“There are so many guys in this team that have good experience and qualities in their game, so I think I am learning every day and it’s not necessarily always from one specific guy.

“With the group that we have, you can learn something from anybody.”

@rugby365com