- Stormers defensive coach Norman Laker said the Bulls missed Marcell Coetzee’s leadership.
- Bok, loose forward Coetzee, who was captain of the Bulls, is on sabbatical in Japan, where he plays for the Kobe Steelers.
- The Bulls play the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Stormers defensive coach Norman Laker isn’t one to select individuals on any team, but he was touched to say the Bulls have missed the leadership of Marcell Coetzee this season.
The fact that the Bulls, who the Stormers face at Loftus Versfeld in a United Rugby Championship North/South derby on Saturday, missed out on the abrasive loose advance has not necessarily reflected in their results.
Going into the game, the Bulls are fourth on record with 40 points after eight wins in their 13 games.
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Where they may have missed Coetzee, who had terrific games against the Stormers last year, has been on the road.
All five of the Bulls’ losses have been away games, including last year’s 37-27 loss at Cape Town Stadium and a 40-27 loss to the Sharks in October.
Coetzee is on sabbatical from playing rugby in Japan, where he plays for the Kobe Steelers.
Laker said Coetzee’s leadership was an important facet of the Bulls’ season last year and that’s something they might be missing.
“He’s a phenomenal rugby player. He’s a great captain and a great person in the game. I think his leadership has been missed,” Laker said.
“I have nothing against Ruan Nortje, but Marcell was phenomenal and had experience. He has many matches with Bok.
“He also played well for Ulster, and I really think they miss him. He was a wonderful player and leader.”
The Stormers are yet to lose to South African opposition in the URC this season and a win will move them away from the chasing pack of the South African Shield.
His complete dismantling of the Sharks 46-19 on 4 February came after their 35-5 loss against Ulster the week before.
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Laker said the team’s feet were firmly on the ground after braving the heat and humidity of Kings Park as they still have a big task on their hands to win at Loftus Versfeld.
“Everyone knew that after the Sharks game, we were going to have a week off,” Laker said.
“The result was our way, but regardless of that result, the bye week was there anyway. The guys gave it all that game.”
“They did a phenomenal job that day, but I don’t think they didn’t pitch due to the fact that the last game was two weeks ago.”
