Get Newsletter

VIDEO: A familiar face could give the Bulls a few problems

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls are set to come up against a familiar face in their Champions Cup Round One clash against Saracens in London on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Springbok scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl has been in fine form for the Premiership giants since he made the move to Sarries from the Bulls in 2021.

He won the Saracens Players’ Player of the Year award last year and he has established himself as one of the core leaders in the team.

Bulls loose forward Marco van Staden knows the damage Van Zyl can cause when is running the show.

The story continues below…

Video Spacer

“I know Ivan very well from playing at the Bulls,” said Van Staden.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We played a few seasons there together and then he came over [to join Saracens] the same time I came over to [Leicester] Tigers.

“Tactically, Ivan is playing very well and he distributes the ball very well.

“He is their captain [when Maro Itoje is unavailable] if I am not mistaken so he is definitely a strong point in their team.

“We are also looking forward to playing against him and after the game, we will probably have a few beers again.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The story continues below…

Van Staden is also expecting a fierce battle in his own department.

“They [Saracens’ loose forwards] are also very quick at the breakdowns and all of them are good ball carriers,” Van Staden told @rugby365com.

“It’s almost like having two more backline players, so we have to prepare well for them.”

@rugby65com

Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)

Join free

South Africa v France | HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Men's Final Match Highlights

HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Day Two Men's Highlights

Behind the scenes with the AUSTRALIA WOMEN'S team in Cape Town | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E03

South Africa v New Zealand | Rugby World Cup 1995 Final | The Vaults

How did Australia go five in a row? | HSBC Life on Tour

Behind the Scenes | World Rugby Awards

Cian Healy | Record Breaker

Two Sides - Behind the scenes with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa | E01

Write A Comment