Bulls fullback Willie le Roux has heaped praise on attack coach Niel de Bruin and head coach Johann Ackerman for revitalising the Bulls’ attack.
There’s no question that le Roux is an attacking wizard. While the Springbok veteran of over 100 Tests may not be at the very peak of his powers, his reading of the game and distribution skills are still top class.
But le Roux can’t do it alone. De Bruin has been at the forefront of enhancing the Bulls’ backline attacking capabilities since his appointment in December.
The son of Springbok Women’s coach Swys, de Bruin has never been far from the rugby field. Injury forced him to retire from rugby at just 26 while playing Vodacom Cup for the Bulls. Now, 14 years later, he is part of the reason the men in blue turned their season around.
Le Roux revealed that de Bruin brought in new energy and ideas to the Bulls’ setup.
“Coach Neil and I are almost the same age,” the 36-year-old joked with the media.
“What a guy he is. He brought in fresh ideas and gave us a lot of freedom as well. It’s not just his voice – he wants player input as well, and it’s about all of us learning together.
“He and coach Ackies [Ackermann] worked together for some time at different unions, so they trust each other fully. It’s been incredible, and we’re all excited to go out there and do our best.
“It’s a new era. Everyone enjoys working with coach Ackies, who brings a different style. We’re just playing for each other, and we’re excited to be back in the Grand Final.”
The Bulls face the indomitable Lesinter in the United Rugby Championship Grand Final at Croke Park in Dublin on Friday.
