While things may not be going well on the field for the young, patched-together Western Province team in the Currie Cup – the Stormers have been hard at work preparing for the first round of the new Vodacom United Rugby Championship campaign.
Among those who’ve been putting in the work and immersing himself in Cape Town and Stormers culture, is new recruit Ruan Ackermann – son of Vodacom Bulls coach Johann Ackermann.
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Ackermann told Netwerk24 that he relishes donning the famous Stormers jersey and forming a loose-forward partnership with hard-running Springbok Evan Roos.
“Evan has been playing really good rugby since he made his debut for the Stormers. It’s difficult to believe that he’s still so young. He can still achieve a lot,” said the former Gloucester bruiser.
“We’ll complement each other well. He’s very good in the loose and has explosive power. I’m maybe not the most explosive player, but I have other qualities. It’ll be good to have a conversation with him to find out what his views are. That’s how you learn to get to know each other.”
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Competition for a starting spot in that Stormers loose-trio will be intense – with Ben-Jason Dixon, Marcel Theunissen, Louw Nel, Paul de Villiers and the veteran Deon Fourie all competing with Ackermann and Roos to fill those three spots.
But for Ackermann, it doesn’t really matter where in the loose trio he’s picked.
“It’s still a conversation I’m having with Dobbo [Coach John Dobson] to find out where his head is at. Ultimately, you want to do your best no matter where you play.”
Ackermann is happy to be in Cape Town, which he says has been the right move for him and his family.
“It was a case of I wanted to be in Cape Town. I like the location of the stadium and the fact that the Cape Town rugby public is so passionate about the team. I’ve always been leaning more towards Cape Town.”
The Stormers kick-off their URC campaign against defending champions Leinster at the Cape Town Stadium on the 26th of September.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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