Hougaard still bidding for scrumhalf position
WILL Francois Hougaard’s continued use on the wing for the Bulls derail his selection as a Springbok scrumhalf in the build-up to the World Cup later this year? The diminutive Hougaard has proven to be competent on the wing, where he easily adapts whenever called upon to make the shift from his preferred position of scrumhalf.
Once again an injury crisis at the Bulls with their wings has played its hand at forcing coach Frans Ludeke to utilise the livewire 26-year-old at wing rather than donning the No 9 jersey in the Pretoria side’s opening two matches of the Super Rugby season.
Hougaard is one the challengers for the Bok scrumhalf post, alongside the Sharks’ Cobus Reinach, in the absence of Fourie du Preez. This Super 15 competition was set to serve as the final opportunity for SA’s scrumhalves to stake their claim ahead of the World Cup in England in September.
“Hougaard can cover at wing, but to me he is more of a scrumhalf,” former Bulls fullback Tiger Mangweni said yesterday. “I think he should be focusing on scrumhalf where he is better. You would also not want to jeopardise his future in the Springbok team where he is considered as a scrumhalf.”
Former Springbok scrumhalf Garth Wright, who played for SA between 1986 and 1992, is not overly concerned about where Hougaard plays. Instead, he remained confident that the versatile Bulls player would form an integral part of the Bok World Cup team no matter where he played.
“Hougaard is truly talented as he is capable of playing almost anywhere in the backline,” Wright said.
“One thing is for sure, he will be in the squad. He is an awesome player whether at scrumhalf or wing. Being moved around is something that happened early in his career and now that has stuck with him.
“If he is to be selected as a scrumhalf for the World Cup he will need game time at No 9. But there is no doubt that he will be a good and valuable member of the Bok squad.”
This week when Ludeke’s side takes on the Hurricanes at Loftus Versfeld could be the last time he features wide on the field where he will partner up with Bjorn Basson, provided that injury woes do not continue to plague the side.
The situation raises a question whether there is sufficient depth at wing at the Bulls.
Injuries to veteran Akona Ndungane (calf) and back-up winger Travis Ismaiel (hamstring) have exposed a dearth in the position. The only other specialist winger in the squad is Jamba Ulengo, who is yet to find his feet at the Bulls and in the 15man game after switching from the Cheetahs and sevens rugby.
“I don’t think we should be pressing the panic buttons just yet,” former Bulls winger John Mametsa said. “If it’s all short-term injuries that the team is faced with, then there should not be any concerns.”
Mangweni feels otherwise as he stresses the importance of the experienced Ndungane, who is likely to be fully fit and back in the squad next weekend.
“It seems there could be a big problem,” Mangweni said. “Akona is one of those players who is extremely difficult to replace. He’s not flashy, doesn’t always do something special, but he is solid — he always does the basics exceptionally well.”