It's all about ‘micro-comms’ for flyhalf Johannes

IS Keagan Johannes a flyhalf or scrumhalf? That is the question that has been on the lips of many Bulls fans this season.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

But the playmaker from Mamre in the Western Cape is clear that he is thrilled about the challenge of making the Bulls tick on attack.

That journey will continue in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Munster in Limerick (6.15pm start).

Johannes was brought in at a critical stage into the pivot berth by coach Jake White a few weeks ago following the long-term injury to Johan Goosen, and then stop-gap measure Willie le Roux returned to fullback and then required shoulder surgery.

The 25-year-old Johannes has been waiting a long time for his big break, and he took it with both hands.

He started off steadily in the 21-20 victory over Leinster at Loftus Versfeld, but his almost coming-of-age performance was in the 63-24 thrashing of Zebre in Pretoria a week later.

Johannes was chosen as the Player of the Match, and has continued in the No 10 role in the 32-22 Challenge Cup triumph over Bayonne, and last week’s 34-28 quarter-final loss to Edinburgh.

Ask if he is a scrumhalf or flyhalf during a press conference on Tuesday, Johannes said: “I think a bit of both! I must say that I enjoy it a lot at 10 these days.

“The boys back me. I get a lot of backing from the coaches, and they are giving me the chance to do the things that I am good at - and I can express myself at 10. So, I am enjoying it a lot.

“I did play flyhalf a bit in my matric year, so I don’t think there had to be a big adjustment.

“It was just about getting used to it again, to the position, and that was the biggest thing.”

It was a tough first half for the Bulls at the Hive Stadium last Saturday, though, as they trailed 24-7 at halftime after a wonky lineout and leaky defence led to a series of mistakes in the midst of an up-tempo Edinburgh approach.