Johann van Graan has a “soft spot” for South African prop Pierre Schoeman as the Bath coach prepares his troops for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final in Edinburgh.
The 45-year-old Van Graan, whose Bath outfit secured Premiership top seeding last week with a 55-19 demolition of Newcastle, coached Schoeman during his schooldays and the Vodacom Bulls before both carved successful careers abroad.
“‘Husky’, as I call him – I don’t know what the Scots call him!” Van Graan was quoted by The Scotsman. “I’ve known him for a very long time, I know the family pretty well.”
“I’ve got a soft spot for him. He’s a phenomenal player, not only for the Bulls in his earlier years but for what he’s done for Edinburgh and specifically Scotland.
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“In my view, he’s become one of Scotland’s best players.”
Van Graan, who previously led Munster to multiple European semi-finals after winning three Super Rugby titles with the Bulls, remains focused on keeping Bath’s treble hopes alive. Bath have already secured the Premiership Cup this season.
Regarding Edinburgh’s decision to play at the smaller Hive Stadium rather than Murrayfield, Van Graan remained unfazed about the artificial surface.
“Look, from where I’m sitting, pitches, where they play, who’s the referee, what type of ball we use, what time we play, that’s not anything that either of the teams can control,” he said.
“You’ve got to adjust your game and make sure you plan well for it. Once you’re on the pitch you’ve got to forget about the pitch and just play.”
Photo: Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images
