VIDEO: How Nortje became the Bulls' silver bullet

VIDEO: When Bulls captain Ruan Nortje moved to flank earlier in the season, it wasn’t a case of adding another string to his bow; it was born out of necessity.

It was the Wednesday before his team’s final match of their European tour against defending champions Glasgow Warriors in their United Rugby Championship Round 16 clash in April.

Nizaam Carr and Mpilo Gumede both picked up injuries in the week building up to the Warriors clash, Elrigh Louw was already out with damaged knee ligaments, and Cameron Hanekom was struggling with a groin injury.

Up stepped the six-Test Springbok Nortje, and a last-minute decision was made that he would run out with the No. 7 on his back.

The rest is kind of history; he has carried on in that position ever since, and it seems the experiment has paid dividends for his team.

The Bulls host the Sharks in the semifinal of the United Rugby Championship this weekend, and Nortje will have to contend with the fast and very explosive loosies of the Sharks in the form of Vincent Tshituka, James Venter, Siya Kolisi, and Phepsi Buthelezi.

Jake White, the Bulls’ Director of Rugby, says the lock has all the makings of being a good loose forward because he’s got an incredible work rate.

The move has also given the Bulls more options in the line-outs, while Nortje now often finds himself out wide on the tramlines.

The 26-year-old Nortje has always played lock and agrees that he is still growing into the new position.

“It is something very new to me. It started when we picked up those injuries on the Wednesday before the Glasgow game.

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“There were absolutely no more flankers left; Cameron [Hanekom] was also out. So, at the last minute, we just decided that I would play flank.

“Luckily, it went well that day, and I got a few more opportunities,” he reflects, adding: “I enjoy being a bit more loose. And I try to be better in that position with every game.

“I must say, I’m really enjoying it. It’s exciting for me to learn a different position. I’ve been playing five lock for as long as I’ve played for the Bulls.

“Sometimes it feels a bit strange for me to be standing on the edge of the field.”

This versatility is also something that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus finds attractive in a player, and the shift may become a clear advantage for Nortje

“I like to see myself be as versatile as possible to be able to play on the flank and switch to lock and be able to call line-outs. I still have a lot to learn, but each game I’m trying to improve and be better on the flank.

“Sometimes it feels strange to stand there and do nothing, but it is important to keep that width and keep the defence honest, and make sure the backline has options everywhere.

“I’m still learning more about being on the side of the scrum.

“I need to make sure I give the right amount of pressure and especially on defence off the scrums, to make sure I make the right release to get out of the scrum as quickly as possible and not be late.

“It’s always exciting to expand and grow your game,” Nortje stated.