Bulls boss Johan Ackermann spoiled for choice at flyhalf heading into new season

The Pretoria franchise announced its 55-man squad for the season on Thursday night. Of the eight new signings, Curwin Bosch and Luan Giliomee are the two that pique interest. The duo are set to compete with Springbok World Cup hero Handre Pollard for the flyhalf berth, while veteran Willie le Roux and even Keegan Johannes can fill in at No.10.

After several poor seasons at the Sharks in 2024, Bosch signed with Pro D2 side Brive. Alternating between flyhalf and fullback, he's honed his skills and collected 267 points for the club. Last month, he started at No.10 for the Bulls in their entertaining clash against the All Blacks during the Greatest Rivalry Tour.

"We're very pleased so far, He's been training really well," Ackermann said of Bosch at Thursday's press conference.

"We hope, first of all, that he's ready to play next week. He's got a good eye for attack, a great kicking boot, and we're excited. I think he matured a lot with his stint overseas.

"We're excited that he can challenge Handre. At least we've got somebody to share the workload. Obviously, once Luan joins us, he can potentially play there as well."

Meanwhile, the outrageously talented Giliomee is coming off a superlative season with the all-conquering Junior Springboks. But he isn't in Pretoria just yet.

"He's still under contract with the Sharks, but we obviously have an agreement that he will come to us once his contract finishes," Ackermann explained.

"That's unfortunately why his start is delayed. He'll come over the moment he's ready to come over. We're hoping somewhere in October."

With all these solid options, Johannes is being picked in his preferred position at scrumhalf. Johannes was forced into the flyhalf position for the last two seasons when Johan Goosen suffered a series of injuries that would be career-ending.  

"When I arrived, I was told he was a No.10," reflected Ackermann.

"Then Johan Goosen retired and Handre was still with the Springboks. He was our only option at No.10. This season, for the first time, I saw him play nine in the Currie Cup. He started training at nine with us and he's so good there that I think he can really challenge for that position."

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