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Bulls confirm new coaching ticket with ex-Ireland forwards coach at helm

By Kim Ekin

10 Jan 2022

Gert Smal (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Former Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal has confirmed his new coaching tickets as he lead the Bulls in their Carling Currie Cup title defence.

The Tshwane-based side last month announced the arrival of former Springbok assistant coach, Smal, at Loftus to spearhead the team for the campaign.

A giant 6’6, 120kg Springbok flanker in his playing days; the 59-year-old was assistant coach to current Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, during the successful era which led to the Springboks winning the 2007 World Cup in France.

Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs NTTCommunications Shining Arc | Japan Rugby League One | Round 1

Smal further held the role of assistant coach for Ireland from 2008 until 2013 before assuming a position as director of rugby at DHL Western Province. Most recently, he has been coaching at Japanese club, Toyota Verblitz as forwards coach.

The former Bok flanker will be ably assisted by a new coaching staff in the campaign which kicks off with a visit to Mbombela on Friday where the Vodacom Bulls will face the Pumas.

Former Vodacom Bulls Under-20 coaches Pine Pienaar (defence coach), Hayden Groepes (backs and attack coach), Edgar Marutlulle (scrum coach) will take up their reins in the Carling Currie Cup team.

“We are privileged at the Vodacom Bulls to have a number of talented coaches within our structures,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White. “A knowledgeable coach like Gert will certainly find comfort in being surrounded by an experienced coach like Pine Pienaar, a hard-working and committed individual like Hayden Groepes and one of the most promising player-turned-coach in Edgar Marutlulle.

“We have no doubt that this team of coaches and the squad of players that we have will continue to fly the Vodacom Bulls flag high in the Carling Currie Cup this year.”

BULLS COACHING TICKET:
Head Coach: Gert Smal
Defence Coach: Pine Pienaar
Backs & Attack Coach: Hayden Groepes
Scrum Coach: Edgar Marutlulle

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Comments on RugbyPass

JW 10 minutes ago

How to solve a problem like Welsh rugby

But not everything isn’t working. There will be some stuff that is working, possibly quite well.

diminishing pool of players

Come now that’s not what were discussing. I can’t see anything wrong with more clubs with the talent spread out, I have already deemed that to be preferrable over an Ireland situation were theres just a strong center for instance.

Happy to hear any arguments though.

9 Go to comments

Willard Pearson 2 hours ago

All Black Ardie Savea ruled out of Moana Pasifika’s clash with Chiefs

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JW 2 hours ago

Super Rugby Pacific's rebirth can finally restore the missing All Blacks edge

But under presume he doesn’t have the goods

What made you say that? I thought it was the complete opposite, he was a master class when under pressure and too loose when comfortable.

I’m not sure what that paragraphs about? If it’s along the same lines as mine, “razor is talking bs” then I full endorse your sentiment lol

I’ve suggested to Spew in another article, its not the lack of ball carries, its the lack of intelligence carrying the ball. That’s the whole system. Fix the style and the exact same people carrying the ball will suddenly be world beaters imo. Definitely the work on area imo too.

Crowd draw? You mean how much are the drawing? Not much, camera setups are making it look better than it is (it’s still better though). Moana is the big change with more than one person in the seats now.

11 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Super Rugby Pacific's rebirth can finally restore the missing All Blacks edge

Mhmm NZ has no other fullback and plenty of wingers, especially some good youth this year.

I’m definitely in the ‘Love is nowhere near ready’ camp though, so fairly opinionated on this one.

11 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Super Rugby Pacific's rebirth can finally restore the missing All Blacks edge

Baffling selections? The only baffling selections I can think of were a few by Razor last year (actually other than Christie over Roigard for the final!!).

I can go back earlier to Fosters hesitancy to use the younger brigade but I don’t see what it has to do this topic. A few of the players have already been through this transition I suggest Jordan is going through, with the likes of Barrett and Rieko in midfield still not having come to grips with the ‘small windows’ of execution at test level, but I wouldn’t call Razor moving Jordan to fullback a baffling decision.

Just checking Will’s plays/stats and he’s passing the ball 15% more than he did in 2023 (SR) and kicking half as much (which means he’s carrying into contact slightly less. He’s finding himself using the ball differently, and likely in different circumstances/situations/positions than before. Lets hope he gets to grip with it better than the other examples. I like those changes if he can make it work.

11 Go to comments

JW 3 hours ago

Super Rugby Pacific's rebirth can finally restore the missing All Blacks edge

It was only a two test series here I think, but you’re right, for those two NZ dominated most everything other than scoreboard where the alligned articles ‘execution’ and ‘accuracy’ really didn’t help NZs scoring/converting points.

11 Go to comments

JW 3 hours ago

Fin Smith: Northampton Saints face battle to keep England star

Whats all this poaching of players carry on? Do journos think this is football were the international game is meaningless?

9 Go to comments

Head high tackle 3 hours ago

Super Rugby Pacific's rebirth can finally restore the missing All Blacks edge

Mate we beat England in 4 tests last year and sorry NO they should not have won “hands down”. NZ earnt all 4 wins. England had opportunity in all the tests but they couldnt beat NZs defence.