The return of lanky lock and leader Ruan Nortjé could be the ideal tonic for the Bulls as they desperately try and end a dismal run of defeats against Stade Francais tomorrow.
Nortjé was having a dream 2024 until he suffered a horror hamstring tear, but after two months of rehab and rare family time, the workhorse second-rower is raring to go in their Champions Cup clash at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow (3pm kick-off).
“When you have an extended period away from the game, you can work on the positives – and I had a chance to iron out several niggles while also doing strength work,” Nortjé said yesterday.
“It was also an opportunity to refresh the mind, and being home with my wife after so much travel was awesome.”
The Springbok lock added that the break gave him a chance to think about what he wants out of his career.
“My goal for this year is to play each game as if it is my last one, be it for the Bulls or the Boks – if I get there.
“That mindset will make me a better player, and it stems from when I got called up to the Boks out of nowhere.”
The 26-year-old is referring to Rassie Erasmus selecting him for the Rugby Championship last year when it seemed he was completely out of the picture.
Nortjé made his debut for the Boks in 2022 in the defeat to Wales in Bloemfontein, and disappeared from the national scene.
“When I joined the Boks, it was not long after the (United Rugby Championship) final against Glasgow – and I was in the space after of ‘What went wrong and how am I going to fit in?’.
“But the moment I stepped into that environment, I had a revival of excitement for what we do as rugby players.
“From the moment you arrive, you know you have to deliver, because nothing is guaranteed. You play each game as if it is the only chance you have.”
Nortjé played in five of the Boks’ Championship Tests, including the two epic matches against the All Blacks.
He said that rubbing shoulders with some of the best players in the world gave him a big boost.
“I drew a lot of self-confidence from playing at that level, and there was definite growth in my game. I’m grateful for what I experienced.
“There are so many good locks in South Africa, and I was pleased to be in the right place at the right time.
“Hopefully, I can find my feet quickly and put my hand up again for that level of rugby.”
But first and foremost, Nortjé wants to play his role in getting the Bulls back on track, following their 49-10 loss to Castres in France last weekend.
“Our biggest thing this week has been about getting our rhythm back,” he said.
“We have worked hard in training to find some continuity with the combinations. We have to get back the connection between forwards and backs.”
The Bulls are winless in the Champions Cup, and can have no say in the rest of the competition, but Nortjé said that there is no lack of motivation for tomorrow’s game.
“Motivation is never a problem when you play for the Bulls. And when you have not had a good run, ending it is all the drive you need,” he said.
“We need to step it up for the people of Pretoria and all involved at our franchise.” | Independent Media Sport