Keagan Johannes credits Johan Goosen for shortening the learning curve required for the scrumhalf to moonlight at flyhalf as the Bulls prepare for the playoffs.
Goosen suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury during the Bulls’ victory over Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday and Johannes stepped into the breach. The veteran flyhalf was forced off in the 12th minute and Johannes jogged on to kick 10 points from the tee in the Herd’s 45–21 win.
“I see it as a great opportunity,” Johannes answered when asked about the challenge of stepping into the void left by Goosen. “I have been playing the position for a while. Especially on tour.”
“I have learnt a lot from Goose and still continue to learn from him. He’s guiding me very well. It’s a big opportunity to step into that space. I feel that I’ve been competing with the top flyhalves in the country this season. I’m not far off from where I should be. There is always room for improvement, but I believe I’ve done well so far.”
Watch: Eben back on the grind
“There is a lot of responsibility at flyhalf,” said Johannes, a scrumhalf by trade who has made five starts in the Bulls 10 jersey this season. “As a No 9, you understand what a flyhalf wants and vice versa. Everyone on the pitch helps each other and we know what plans we need to execute.
“We saw this weekend when I went on early to replace Goose. Everyone is calm and helpful when I’m in the flyhalf position. When things aren’t going well the team expects the flyhalf to make good decisions and drive the team forward.
“I feel that I’ve been chatting more and trying to become that extra coach on the field alongside Willie le Roux.”
The Bulls will end the URC league phase with a home clash against the Dragons at Loftus on Saturday before turning their attention to a quarter-final on 31 May.
A win would guarantee a semi-final at Loftus if they advance. Despite the Dragons sitting last on the URC log with just one win and nine points from 17 games, the Bulls will need to stay sharp to secure second place, with defending champions Glasgow Warriors still within bonus-point range.
MORE: Jake – Rotation key to Bulls’ success
“The playoffs are going to be much tighter games,” Johannes added. “We are very proud of our performances over the past few weeks. We aren’t too stressed. On the last two weeks of tour we showed that we can trust our defense when things get tough.”
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
The post Johannes: Goose has helped me fly appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.