His role may have changed significantly since he arrived at the Vodacom Bulls, but right now former Springbok flanker Marcell Coetzee is relishing the opportunity to help his side sign off their short Vodacom United Rugby Championship tour on a high note against Benetton in Treviso on Friday night.
Coetzee, more the elder statesman these days in the squad, has had to take a backseat at times, through injury or selection, as Marco van Staden, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw and Celimpilo Gumede have been given more game time, but his influence will be huge as the Bulls look to sign off their tour on a high note.
Coetzee is hoping to put his experience on the line to help his teammates with not only closing out games - something they have struggled with on this tour, albeit because of red cards that never should have been given - but also to help young leaders develop such as Reinhardt Ludwig, who was captain after Akker van der Merwe left the field against the Scarlets.
Just two unbeaten teams remain in the #VURC after five rounds of action đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/150c34hbqa
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 21, 2024
“Yeah, well I think every player is going to take ownership going into this game, you know. And I think the fact that you've been in this situation a lot in your career and have picked up a few things that will help you with the build-up. So for me, as an individual, you're just looking forward to playing again,” Coetzee smiled when asked about his role in the team and how it has changed.
“We understand there's a rotating policy that coach Jake implemented and he addressed it to the group from the beginning. So every time you get an opportunity, you just want to give your best and make sure you put your name in the hat. And that's what I'll be focusing on as an individual.
“But being an experienced guy, it's just to bring calmness and making sure the structure gets implemented on the day and compliment Ella (Elrigh) where I can. And not just me, but also the other leaders on the field. And just bring composure.
“I think that's the biggest word. It is going to be a big game, but it's a quality outfit. I've really stepped up in this tournament and it won't be an easy job, but it's one we're embracing and looking forward to.”
Coetzee knows that his experience could well be the difference in those closing moments, just to keep players calm and focused on the task at hand.
“Obviously, there's a couple of guys who stepped up like Elrigh and Marco and they've gone to Springboks. And you're not in the starting lineup as much as in the past. I know you're a bit late in your career now, but just your role in the team and that sort of experience at times looked a bit missing against the Scarlets in those last 20 minutes.
“You just have to make the most out of your opportunities, like I said earlier. If you get your opportunity, obviously, with Marco being around and Nama (Xaba) also playing for a place, it's a tough pipeline to compete with. But it's something you'll never back down from.
'HEALTHY COMPETITION'
“But in healthy competition, I think it's good in the structure that we have. And I think for me, it's just giving back as much as I can, whether it's on or off the field or a bit of wisdom here or a bit of experience. Obviously, coming to this game, it's going to be a cracker. So, yeah, you can just add your experience to that as well. But I think ultimately, you just want to enjoy it on the field and just help build the culture off the field and just be the ultimate bull man.”
Coetzee is wary of Benetton’s form, which is much better than their log position suggests and knows the Bulls will need to be at their best for the match.
“Like I said, they've got a jack-of-all-trades. They've got a strong set-piece game. They have a good attacking set-up as well,” Coetzee said of Benetton.
“And I think their ruck speed is the quickest in the tournament. So, no, look, they're a well-oiled machine and they're a confident side. So it's going to be a massive task but we're looking forward to it.”
The Bulls will name their side for the Benetton clash on Thursday.