Jake: Gans forcing my hand

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Jake White says it is very difficult to leave Stedman Gans out after the Vodacom Bulls centre capped his excellent start to the season with a brace against the Sharks.

Gans scored two tries as the Vodacom Bulls powered to a bonus-point derby victory over the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld.

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It has been a sensational start to the campaign for the 26-year-old, who has grasped the opportunity to impress in the absence of Canan Moodie and Wandisile Simelane.


With Moodie returning from an enforced World Cup break last weekend, many thought that Gans would make way for the 21-year-old.

However, playing against Bok centre Lukhanyo Am, Gans marked his fifth consecutive start in the No 13 jersey with a brilliant performance on attack and defence.

“When Stedman is playing like his is, it’s very difficult to leave him out,” White said. “That’s what’s so nice.

“I think, in some ways, maybe he expected that he would fall out of the team when Canan got back. One of the faults I had last season was not challenging the selection by trying different things. I almost hung my hat on one group of players and thought I could fight my way through the season with that group.

“I can’t talk for Stedman, but he is probably very relieved that he is playing so well. As long as he keeps playing like that, there’s no reason for me not to select him.”

White was delight with how his team managed to shut down a Sharks team desperate for a morale-boosting victory, especially after the visitors started the match on the front-foot.

“Defensively we were the best we’ve been in a long time. We also managed the game really well,” said White. “We would like to play like we played today. We want to be a versatile team that can play with the forwards and the backs.”

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images

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