Flyhalf poser for Bulls

8/3/2009.Francois Brummer of the Blue Bulls in training. Picture : Masi Losi

8/3/2009.Francois Brummer of the Blue Bulls in training. Picture : Masi Losi

Published Feb 24, 2016

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The selection poser at flyhalf between Francois Brummer and Tian Schoeman is giving Bulls coach Nollis Marais sleepless nights before his first Super Rugby match against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Bulls were dealt a heavy blow last month when Springbok flyhalf and vice-captain Handre Pollard was ruled out for the remainder of the year after sustaining a knee injury at training.

After handing both Brummer and Schoeman starting opportunities in their two pre-season friendlies against the Cheetahs and Lions, however, Marais is no closer to making a decision on who, between the duo, will start in the north versus south derby at Newlands.

While it might have been a safe assumption that Schoeman enjoyed an edge over Brummer after playing a handful of Super Rugby matches towards the end of last season, and being the Bulls’ starting flyhalf during the Currie Cup season, Schoeman was not convincing against the Cheetahs in Harare.

Schoeman could be best suited to playing the style of running rugby that Marais will require of his team this year, but his lack of experience at Super Rugby level may count against him starting on Saturday.

He is a better player to have towards the end of the game and he proved it last year when called upon in the latter stages of the season and with the Bulls’ season in tatters.

Schoeman is a confidence player and even though he would have had the inside lane to Pollard’s position, his belief in his capabilities will come only with more time on the field.

Brummer was no better when against the Lions a fortnight ago and was later substituted by Schoeman, but his wealth of experience, having played for the Bulls and Cheetahs in Super Rugby, could see him being the preferred but not permanent choice.

He was deemed surplus to requirements just over three years ago after failing to make the transition from Vodacom Cup to Super Rugby, but was brought in as cover at flyhalf when Louis Fouche left for the Southern Kings last year. - The Mercury

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