Stedman Gans: Curwin Bosch and new arrivals won’t ease Bulls competition

New recruits to bolster depth after departures

The Bulls have added a number of players as they prepare for next season, following several departures. Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ruan Nortjé, Wilco Louw and utility back David Kriel are all leaving the squad.

The incoming list includes Curwin Bosch, wing Dylan Maart, fullback Thaakir Abrahams, former Bulls captain Hanro Liebenberg, fullbacks Luan Giliomee and Hakeem Kunene, prop Mawande Ndanda, and centre Sango Xamlashe.

Gans: “A whole new ballgame” but competition stays

Gans, who has been used mainly at outside centre but also at wing and inside centre this season, noted he and Bosch played together for the Junior Springboks in 2015.

Speaking before the Bulls’ final league match against Benetton at Loftus Versfeld, Gans said:

“I definitely think it’s going to be a whole different ballgame, but it’s like that every year. Even if you have the same group of centres going from one year to the next, people change form, coaches think differently, or maybe we want to play a different game.”

He added that while the faces and skill sets around him will change, the foundational level of competition remains, because form, coaching and tactical direction evolve each season.

Prepared to cover multiple roles

The 2020 Sevens Player of the Year said his time on the fringes of selection taught him that opportunities are affected by injuries, coaches, game plans and teammates. Rather than dwell on uncontrollable factors, he focuses on what he can control.

Gans described his versatility as a privilege and an opportunity to play important roles in games. He said:

“I look at that responsibility as a privilege. I’ve got an opportunity to cover all of those positions and maybe to have important roles in games. I’ve been working hard for a long time for when it comes, so in that way, it’s an exciting responsibility to have.”

Context going into the Benetton match

The Bulls were preparing to face Benetton at Loftus Versfeld, with expectations of extending their winning run against the Italians and retaining fourth place in the United Rugby Championship; they could potentially finish as high as second depending on other results. The Bulls have already reached three URC finals and most of the new signings have signed three-year deals.

Gans was also noted in the original report as a psychology student and coffee roastery owner, and he was speaking ahead of his 100th appearance for the Bulls.