Cameron Hanekom, the 2025 URC Next-Gen Player of the Season, takes the next step in his comeback from the torn hamstring that kept him from playing for almost a year as he starts for the Bulls in Glasgow.
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The last time the Warriors lost in Glasgow, it was to the Bulls. The problem is that they have won 11 consecutive matches since, as the Bulls prepare for their Champions Cup visit to Scotstoun on Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm).
Fresher in the minds of the Bulls players is their controversial loss in Glasgow last October. The visitors seemed to have the game won, but a dubious penalty try and a yellow card changed the game. The Warriors won 21-12.
Coach Johan Ackermann said his team won’t be distracted by thoughts of revenge and would rather draw on their experience in general of playing the Warriors — the teams have met six times, with each team winning three times. The Warriors, of course, beat the Bulls in the 2024 final at Loftus Versfeld.
“We respect Glasgow in the way they play, the style they play, their brand,” Ackermann said. “They have built up a great squad over the last couple of years.
“They have a lot of continuity and coaching with Franco Smith being there, and players playing for Scotland and then back at Glasgow. So it’s a well-respected team. Both teams know each other quite well, so it should be a great game.”
Cameron Hanekom, the 2025 URC Next-Gen Player of the Season, takes the next step in his comeback from the torn hamstring that kept him from playing for almost a year. Ackerman has been using him sparingly from the bench, but it feels he is ready for a start.
The 23-year-old replaces the injured Nizaam Carr at No 8.
“We’ve blooded Cameron well since his return. It was about getting enough volume into him first, and then he played in the last two games.”
“We think Cameron is well-suited for this game. He is renowned for his speed and movement,” Ackermann explained. “Glasgow are a fast team, with a pack that can move and an exceptional backline, so we felt this was a good opportunity to start him.
“We want to get him on the field early and let him get into the game. It’s an exciting challenge for us, and hopefully Cameron will go well.
“Also, we’ve got loosies like Marco (van Staden) and Jeandré (Rudolph) who can come on later and hopefully make a difference,” he said. “If the game is fast, we can bring that impact from the bench.”