Latest news with #URCPlayeroftheYear
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bulls No 8 Hanekom won't play in the URC final, Evan Roos called up to the Springbok squad
The Bulls' Cameron Hanekom suffered a match-ending injury in the URC semi-final against the Sharks at Loftus Versveld on Saturday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media As the dew was settling on the Bulls' United Rugby Championship semi-final defeat of the Sharks, a disconsolate Cameron Hanekom was hugged by his teammates as he hobbled on crutches, his right leg heavily strapped. It was poignant to see the Bulls players commiserating with the young No 8 who has to live with not participating in this week's final against Leinster in Dublin. The big question now is how long the URC Player of the Year finalist will be out of rugby with the Springbok season looming. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has moved swiftly to address the loose forward situation, calling up Stormers No 8 Evan Roos to cover for Hanekom for the match against the Barbarians in Cape Town on June 28, and the two-Test series against Italy. Bulls coach Jake White provided some clarity on Hanekom's injury, which occurred in the 47th minute of the closely fought contest. Hanekom was cleared out a ruck by Sharks captain Siya Kolisi. He clutched his hamstring in pain and was in discomfort as he left the field on a golf cart. 'Cameron is being given a probe. Obviously, he's very upset, which is natural. He is quite down,' White said. 'I told his parents earlier in the change room that they must remember he is 21-years old with a long future ahead of him. People forget how times have changed in rugby,' White reflected. 'When I started coaching (in the late 90s), 21-year-old forwards weren't invited to Bulls training. The Stormers' Evan Roos will replace Cameron Hanekom in the Springboks' squad. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix 'If they were, it was generally for the old men to bash them on a Monday night at training. 'Cameron has obviously jumped the line because he is so talented, and he feels a bit down now, but we must not forget that he's just 21. There's still a lot of rugby that he's going to be involved in over the next couple of years.' White is hopeful that Hanekom's injury isn't as serious as it appears but confirmed that he won't play in the final. 'When it is swollen and there's blood on it, it is tough to see,' White said. 'They had a look and he won't play against Leinster, that I can tell you.
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Déjà vu: Jake White won't say much to his Bulls players before Edinburgh game
The Bulls will know what to expect after two previous outings against Edinburgh and a semi-final against teams they have also played before. Edinburgh's Wes Goosen is tackled by Bulls utility back Keagan Johannes during their Challenge Cup quarter-final in Scotland. Picture: Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images Bulls director of rugby Jake White said his team were experiencing some déjà vu in facing Edinburgh for a third time this season, while also reaching the United Rugby Championship play-offs for the fourth time in a row. He said almost all of his players have 'been here, done it before' and have improved greatly over the past few years. They will not need extensive analysis of Edinburgh or their potential semi-final opponents, pointing out areas of improvement, or motivation to give their all. But they are ready to go all the way this time. The Bulls secured their home quarter-final against Edinburgh at Loftus on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm) after finishing second on the log with 14 wins from 18 games. One of those victories came against Edinburgh at Loftus in September (final score 22–16). The Bulls almost became the first South African side to beat Edinburgh in Scotland, but they fell just short in their Challenge Cup quarter-final (final score 34–28). Head-to-head, Edinburgh have won three of the five games between the sides. Both teams have won every match played at home. Not much new to be said As White geared up for another clash against his former assistant coach at the Sharks and consultant with the Bulls, Sean Everitt, he said there was little that needed to be said. 'Edinburgh beat us a couple of weeks ago so there is not much I need to say [to the team] because I think the players understand,' White explained. 'We play Sharks or Munster [in the semi-final] and those are two teams that have beaten us this year. So there's not much I need to say in terms of getting them ready. It's a little bit of déjà vu on the basis that we've been here, done it before, but we now have the opportunity to play our best rugby in the last three weeks.' The Bulls' forward pack has dominated all opposition, putting them in the position they are in. White praised tighthead prop Wilco Louw for his standout performances in scrums and said he hoped he would win the South African URC Player of the Year award. Edinburgh's Wes Goosen says they are braced for the Bulls But many players have shone for the Bulls, not least their eighthman, Cameron Hanekom, who is also up for the award with his threatening runs, offloads, tackling and work at the breakdown. White said his players have improved since their URC final defeat against Glasgow last year, and were good enough to go all the way this time. Still, Edinburgh's South African-born winger Wes Goosen said they were up to the challenge. They just needed to continue pressing as they had in the first hour of their Challenge Cup victory, before allowing the Bulls back into the game. 'It's not going to be easy. They are a very physical team with a lot of superstars, but you look at our team – we've got good players as well,' Goosen said.
