Springboks veteran Marcell Coetzee has been hailed as “a tremendous human being” and a great leader both on and off the field.
The 31-times capped back row forward will be 35 next month, but he is still producing the goods as he showed with a try scoring Player of the Match display in the Vodacom Bulls’ 47-7 victory away to Dragons RFC on the weekend.
He is a key man in the Bulls’ push for a Vodacom URC Play-Off spot which continues with another game in Wales this Friday when they travel to the Scarlets.
Head coach Johan Ackermann - himself a former ‘Boks forward - is delighted to have the services of the 6ft 4ins, 18st 6lbs Coetzee to call on.
“I had always admired him as a player. Now I have got the privilege to coach him,” he said.
“He is just a tremendous human being, first of all. And, secondly, he is in great form at the moment. He has worked hard on his conditioning, so he is in a good space and he is playing really well.
“It’s important for any team that your leaders do well and he is doing well at the moment. He is a leader on and off the field. The players have a tremendous respect for him as a person, not just for his capability on the rugby field, but also the way he speaks and the way he leads by example off the field. He is just a good team man.
“That’s what I appreciate about Marcell. When he plays for the team, it’s really personal for him. He gives his all for the team. That’s what he wants to do.”
As for Coetzee’s veteran status, former second row Ackermann knows from personal experience that age is no barrier. “Over the years, there have been a lot of people like Brad Thorn and Schalk Brits who played in World Cups when they were 36 or older,” he said.
“I was fortunate to play for the ‘Boks at 37 and you also have guys who play when they are 19. It’s still up to the player to perform and if Marcell keeps performing like he does, then age is just a number.
“Then the young guys must keep challenging and hopefully he will keep challenging them back.”
Having made his name with the Sharks, Coetzee went on to enjoy a successful five year stint with Ulster Rugby, while also having spells in Japan with Honda Heat and Kobe Steelers.
Now he is back plying his trade in South Africa, making his presence felt with his mighty ball carrying from the flank amid the Bulls’ power game.
“That’s one of our strengths,” said the 34-year-old, speaking after the seven-try bonus point victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade.
“We have gone back to the DNA that works for us, combining that with a good kicking game and a good attacking game. Everybody has bought in. We have come together as a squad and got the mindset right.”
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Reflecting on his Player of the Match award, he said, “This is nice, but it was a collective team effort.
“Everyone bought into the plan, everybody got stuck in. We know it’s always difficult going to the Dragons in Newport with a hostile home crowd. I am very proud of the boys. We just want to continue the momentum now.”
The Bulls currently occupy the final URC play-off spot, lying in eighth place with games against the Scarlets (a), Zebre Parma (h) and Benetton Rugby (h) to come.
“We are in that tough place where we can’t really afford any mistakes or our chance to stay in the play-offs is out,” said Ackermann.
“Every game now is massive for us. We are in a position where if we don’t win all three, the teams under us can kick us out of that top eight. I don’t want to put more pressure on us, but as a team we know how important the last three round robin games are.”
Looking at their next assignment on tour in Wales, the coach said, “The Scarlets have quality on the field and their log position is not justified. If you look at the Vodacom URC, any team can beat any team on the day if you are not 100 per cent switched on.
"We love Wales. Like South Africans, they are passionate about rugby. But we have got a job to do here.”