There may be more than a touch of irony in the decision, but the Sharks have made another major signing when they snapped up the signature of Bulls fly-half Jacques-Louis Potgieter for the 2011 season.
Potgieter, who last year kicked a last-gasp drop goal to put them out of the Currie Cup while at Free State, will also ironically start the game against the Durban team this weekend when the Blue Bulls head for their Currie Cup league fixture at the Absa Stadium.
The blonde fly-half moved to the Bulls at the start of the season from the Cheetahs and played a good supporting role in the team’s Vodacom Super 14 victory, alternating between flyhalf and inside centre.
But with one eye on next year’s World Cup, it is understandable why he will want to move, especially with the Sharks unable to settle on a first-choice fly-half and Springbok Ruan Pienaar heading to Ulster after the Tri Nations.
Sharks Director of coaching Rudolf Straeuli confirmed to Supersport.com that Potgieter had signed for the Union.
“Yes we have a contract with him,” Straeuli told Supersport.com.
Potgieter is keen to try and claim a place as the second choice fly-half behind Morné Steyn at next year’s World Cup in New Zealand and the best way to do that would be to get as much game time as possible.
The story, which first appeared in the Pretoria News over the weekend, was also confirmed by the Bulls themselves, who said they were sad to see Potgieter go.
The blonde fly-half declined an interview over his move, saying he wanted to concentrate on Saturday’s game and didn’t want his decision to distract his team-mates in the defence of their Currie Cup title.
We need a flyhalf…it is the professional era….we bought him…..I dont neccessarily agree with the principle, but it is standard practise today. It wont take the Sharks long to settle!!
4man wrote:
At work, surfing a bit. Just came back from a three week break. Traveled a bit through our beautifull country. Even visited Superbul in Hoedspruit.
@ Snoek:
17
Brilliant post,yes he was so convinced the Hooolanders would take it hope he did not slit his wrists.
@ Snoek:
Snoek my weekend was great in the Timbavati, hell this place is for ME
@ Snoek:
4Man you MUST visit me i will make it special for you. Blouste and me is unfinnished business, i hope to show him the inner sanctions of my valley, mountains etc.
Why does anyone leave the Cheetahs?
Money.
@ biltongbek:
En dis bleddie koud in Bloemfontein in die winter.
Snoek, net as jy wagstaan by 1SAI tussen 2h00 en 6h00 in die oggend.
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