SPOTLIGHT: Jaco van der Walt of the Bulls, one of the few exceptionally gifted flyhalves in Pretoria, claims that the rivalry among them helps him develop as a player.
Van der Walt scored sixteen points during the weekend’s victory over Connacht at Loftus. After Johan Goosen, the first choice at No. 10, sustained an injury against Edinburgh, he was given a starting spot.
Van der Walt spent five years as a member of the Edinburgh team before joining the Bulls this year, so he is all too familiar with them.
He began his career with the Lions in 2014 and played for the Johannesburg-based team in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions before joining the Scottish team in 2017.
Van der Walt was a member of the Lions team that lost the 2016 Super Rugby Final to the Hurricanes in the second place.
He immediately won over the Edinburgh supporters after arriving, scoring his first try in their Challenge Cup victory over Stade Francais in December 2017. In 2018–19, he had a breakthrough season and won the Pro14 Golden Boot.
His outstanding performance at the club level earned him his first of four caps for his adopted nation, a Scotland Test debut against Ireland in December 2020.
Following his weekend man-of-the-match performance, Van der Walt spoke with local media about his experience with the Bulls thus far and his competition, which included Chris Smith and Goosen.
The team has a lot of depth, which affects the player because it forces them to put in a little extra effort. Additionally, I believe that rivalry amongst you is necessary. Goose, Chris, and I get along great and support one another in different areas of the game,” Van der Walt said.
You know you can improve as a player with that.
“It has gone well. The atmosphere at the Bulls is fantastic. Ultimately, having good relationships with all the boys has an impact on the field.
We’re hoping for more game time. There will be rotation because the season is lengthy. So, all you have to do is take advantage of every chance you get.
When asked about the impact of having Springbok Willie le Roux in the backline, the flyhalf was frank about how Le Roux affects the players around him.
It had a significant impact over the weekend. Willie is a very skilled player, and his conversation over the weekend was fantastic. I believe it calmed down all the boys who were next to us, and he seems to be calm as well.
That had a significant impact. It really helped, particularly with decision-making,” the flyhalf remarked.
Even though he is well-versed in the circumstances abroad, he concurred that South African teams ought to use their home games as opportunities to win.
“This side’s weather had a significant impact on the weekend. The most crucial games to win are those played at home.
“South African teams that play at home should take advantage of the opportunity.”
This weekend, the Bulls will play the Sharks at home.
