‘Proud’ De Klerk on Bulls move

Published on

Discussions with the Vodacom Bulls coaches led to a career-altering deal for one of the standout backline players to have represented the Pumas in 2022, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

Sebastian de Klerk is poised to become a first-time Currie Cup champion when the Pumas and Griquas clash in a sold-out final in Kimberley on Saturday afternoon. 

His eight tries in 2022 – the second-highest in the competition – has included a hat-trick against the Bulls, and his game-breaking ability has been a hallmark for the men from Nelspruit en route to the decider of the sport’s oldest tournament.

De Klerk, who can play wing or outside centre, said that a conversation with former age-group Bulls coach, now assistant coach, Nollis Marais set the wheels in motion for a permanent move to the Pumas in 2021.

Speaking as the Pumas prepare for a first-ever Currie Cup final appearance, he told SA Rugby magazine: “The Bulls gave me the platform – they really have one of the best youth systems in the country – and gave me my first opportunity.

“But it was actually coach Nollis Marais who suggested to me to maybe move to the Pumas or Griquas to get regular game time. I owe the Bulls a big debt in that sense, but I’ve moved on and I’m a very proud Puma now!”

MORE: Pumas brace for Griquas faithful

Hoping to soon play in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, De Klerk has scored some breathtaking tries this season for the Pumas by capitalising on opponents’ errors with teammates Tinus de Beer and Devon Williams.

He said: “I’m definitely working towards getting into a URC side and to play against the best I can, but to do that I must play the best rugby I can.

“At the beginning of the season I really saw myself at wing and going after that position. I’ve been fortunate the guys put me into the right spaces and [backline] Coach MJ [Mentz] and Coach Jimmy [Stonehouse] really give me the opportunity to express myself and try things, and the team is really behind me.

“My strength is definitely my attack and on the loose ball if there’s space, especially with the team really good on turnovers. Having the ball in my hand as much as possible gives me the confidence to just get better.

“I’ve just been privileged to be playing in a good backline this year – Devon has contributed to a lot of my tries… a guy like Tinus as well.”

ALSO: ‘Our eyes sparkle when we get that ball’

De Klerk is still ironing out the kinks at No 13 but has formed a solid partnership with inside centre Eddie Fouche, and they will face a similarly in-form pairing of Griquas skipper Sango Xamlashe and Rynhardt Jonker on Saturday.

He added: “I started out at 13 at the start of the season but the flow wasn’t quite there and the coaches let me have a chance at wing.

“What I enjoy about wing is that I can just ‘go’ and finish, while at centre it’s more about creating space for the others to score. The biggest transition for me has been working on my defence at 13, which is a difficult position.

“I’ve been doing the video analysis and homework, and focusing on making good hits and positive reads in the channel. Eddie and I are working together and Sango and Rynhardt have been playing really well, but we always back ourselves to be better than our opposite numbers.”

On De Klerk’s impact for the Pumas, Stonehouse said: “I hope this final is great for him because he can create something out of nothing, and that is the type of player you want, and who you hope makes it in the future.”

ICYMI – Willie to join Stormers ‘a champion’

Post by

Devin Hermanus