Coach Johan Ackermann has shared insights on the potential debut of Luan Giliomee, the 19-year-old utility back, with the Bulls. Having wrapped up his obligations with the Sharks, Giliomee is poised to join the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this coming Tuesday. However, his appearance in the upcoming high-stakes Jukskei derby against the Lions remains uncertain.
"The fact that we aren’t in South Africa makes it difficult to say when he will play," Ackermann confessed in a discussion with Rapport, speaking from Ireland after a recent 26-22 loss to Munster. "It’s also not as though he has been sitting at home for the past month and we could send him things to learn – he was focused on the Sharks and we couldn’t overload him with information."
"I can’t say whether he will play against the Lions. It’s a big match and expecting a guy to learn everything within three training sessions may be a step too far."
Ackermann is clearly upbeat about Giliomee's prospects, praising his versatility and impact at the Sharks and Junior Boks. "He’s a player with a lot of X factor. He reads the game well and he has already shown that he can play in two positions," said Ackermann. "We know he’s a No 10 or 15. He’s going to provide good competition for our players."
The chance to learn from seasoned players like Handré Pollard and Willie le Roux is viewed as invaluable for Giliomee, yet Ackermann emphasized the importance of bringing his unique style to the team: "For a young player, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn, but also, as I always say, to add your own flavour."
The transfer was accelerated due to a mutual agreement between the Bulls and Sharks, influenced by the early transfer of Junior Boks hooker Esethu Mnebelele to the Sharks. "I’m just grateful to JP Pietersen and Rory Duncan that they agreed Luan could also come earlier," Ackermann acknowledged. "We helped each other."
As Giliomee prepares to start his tenure with the Bulls, all eyes will be on how quickly he can adapt to his new surroundings and whether he will make his debut in the looming derby.
