Lock JF van Heerden said the Vodacom Bulls are excited to be back in Pretoria, where the Herd aim to open their 2024-25 Investec Champions Cup account on Saturday.
Emerging as a key member of the Bulls pack, Van Heerden is preparing to face the Northampton Saints at Loftus Versfeld in round 2 of the EPCR club competition.
Speaking during a Bulls conference on Tuesday, the second-row powerhouse reflected on last week’s defeat to Saracens in London while sharing the mood in the camp.
“It was a tough weekend, there were a lot of things we had to learn but nothing that can’t be fixed,” Van Heerden told reporters. “It was small discipline errors, having two yellow cards at the same time that made it tough.”
He understands the magnitude of facing Saints, who defeated the Bulls convincingly in last season’s quarter-final of the elite tournament. “They’re physical, like us, so that’s something they will bring to the table,” Van Heerden said.
“They have one of the strongest set pieces in the competition, so the forwards will play a big role.”
Returning to Loftus after a five-game overseas run in all competitions, the 20-year-old Van Heerden’s excitement is palpable. “Loftus is a special place… we know what we have to bring to the table,” he said.
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“The heat is a bit tough now, coming from the cold that side, but everyone is very excited to be back home.”
Entrusted with calling the Bulls lineouts in Ruan Nortje’s absence, Van Heerden has relished the exposure and responsibility. The Junior Bok star credits the guidance of his teammates and forwards coach Andries Bekker.
“Everyone who plays rugby knows that you are going to make mistakes in a game, it happens,” Van Heerden said. “It’s definitely something that comes with experience, but having teammates like Ruan and Akker [van der Merwe] with experience… when a call doesn’t go our way, they just keep you calm.
“It is more challenging calling lineouts at this level. But everyone has been very open and helpful. Ruan helps me a lot, so if you have teammates with his experience, it makes it easier.”
“And with a coach like Coach Andries obviously knowing a thing or two about lineouts, it takes a lot of pressure off of you having a solid plan going into the game,” he added.
“Coach Andries has had a big impact on my game; he likes being honest and that’s a trait that I appreciate. There’s so many guys in this team who have experience and good qualities [I can learn from].”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
