VIDEO: Bok about being back in the Kraal

Springbok Ivan van Zyl this week returned to the place he once called ‘home’ – Loftus Versfeld.

With more than 100 games for the Bulls – the Currie Cup, Super Rugby and the United Rugby Championship – he will have a unique insight into the psyche of the Pretoria-based team when they host Saracens in a Champions Cup Round One outing on Saturday.

In 2021, Van Zyl signed for Saracens ahead of the 2021–22 season.

He helped Saracens win the Premiership title in 2023, scoring a try in the Final as they defeated Sale Sharks.

This season the 28-year-old made six appearances – with an average of more than 60 minutes per match.

Schooled at Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (or Affies), he spent more than a decade at the famous stadium.

“It is special for me to share it [playing at the stadium] with the Sarries boys,” he said.

“A lot of the [Saracens] boys have not played at Loftus before,” he said, adding: “Even someone like Faz [Owen Farrell] it will vibe his first time, so it is pretty cool.”

Van Zyl, who played all six of his Tests in 2018, said he expects a “massive physical challenge” from the Bulls on Saturday.

“They [the Bulls] will come [at us] all guns blazing,” the No.9 said.

“We need to be physically up for the challenge.

“If we stick to our guns we have what it take,” he said of the Saracens game plan.

After leaving the Bulls in 2021, he never thought he would return to Pretoria.

“For me, it is unreal,” Van Zyl said, adding: “It is such a special occasion to be here.

“I fell in love with the game watch the Bulls.

“Now I get the opportunity to play against them.”

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It’s a special week for @IvanVanZyl1 🙌🏽#YourSaracens💫#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/I5UdtD8uPm

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) December 6, 2023

* Meanwhile, Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall said he is expecting something ‘new’ this weekend, as his side take on the Bulls in Pretoria.

“It’s a little bit different to what we’re used to, but the fact it’s a night-time kick-off is a good thing for us,” McCall said.

“We’ve been really impressed with what we’ve seen of them, especially in their last few fixtures.

“They’re strong in all areas, with a big pack of forwards and some really good players.

“They really have some incredible pace in the backline and with the likes of Will Le Roux in there too, there’s plenty of experience.”

European rugby has given Saracens some of the club’s best moments in recent history, and McCall feels that the challenge of playing in South Africa will bring out the best in his team.

“It feels different and feels special.

“We’ve had a good relationship with this competition for a very long period of time and games don’t come much tougher than the Bulls away.

“It’s a challenge, but that normally brings out the best of the group we’ve got.”

Source: @Saracens

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 🎄

𝐃𝐞𝐜 𝟕 – @maroitoje in full flight 👐 #YourSaracens💫
🧵 (7/25) pic.twitter.com/gCAl5MAJYu

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) December 7, 2023