Treu surprised how Bulls have evolved their game

John Goliath

FRANCOIS HOUGAARD has been on a bit of a crusade since he was left out of the Springbok squad after Super Rugby.

Back in his favourite No 9 jersey during the Blue Bulls’ first two Currie Cup matches of the season, Hougaard seems to have discovered some of the form that makes him such an awkward customer to deal with on defence, as he possess that X-factor, and a unique ability to conjure up a bit of magic out of nothing.

Those aren’t necessarily the only traits Heyneke Meyer looks for in a scrumhalf, as the Bok coach likes a scrumhalf who can kick neatly from the base, as well as providing quick service from the base.

Over the years Hougaard has worked a lot on his kicking, and it has improved in recent times.

But he really hasn’t had much use for the boot over the last two matches for the Bulls, after they embarked on a journey to play a more expansive game of rugby.

So, essentially, Hougaard is auditioning for a Springbok berth with his strengths.

Hougaard has been a key element in the Bulls’ attacking game, as his running, stepping and his ability to draw defenders and offload makes him their kingpin.

And it’s evident that Hougaard is embracing the Pretoria’s side new-found fondness to keep the rugby ball alive.

After spending the latter part of the Super Rugby campaign on the wing, where he actually performed with distinction, the versatile Hougaard is making a late charge for the Springbok No 9 jersey with two top performances in the Bulls’ first two matches against the Free State Cheetahs and Griquas.

But while Meyer is probably still deliberating about Hougaard’s Bok future, the scrumhalf’s performances have certainly not gone unnoticed as far as Western Province’s defence coach Paul Treu is concerned, especially ahead of Saturday’s North-South derby between the two teams at Loftus (kickoff 7.10pm).

Treu, a real student of the game and a guy who likes to empower himself by checking new trends in the game, has the responsibility to devise a plan that will shut Hougaard down.

“Our organisation is going to be important around the maul and the breakdown, because if you give Hougaard a chance to attack that space, we are going to be in for a long day,” the former South African Sevens captain and coach said yesterday.

“Hougaard is a very instinctive player. He will stay in system for as long as he can, but if he sees an opportunity he will exploit it. If we are not solid in setting the defence at our rucks, then he is going to take on our tight forwards around the edges.

“Whether you play him at wing or at scrumhalf, he is still going to be a lethal attacking player. He may be more of a threat at number nine, because he can offer so much more (being closer to the action).”

Treu says he has been impressed by the Bulls progress since they decided to play a more expansive game.

And while Treu expects the Bulls to try and lift the tempo even more this weekend, he know they also need to stop their forwards from getting on the front foot.

“I must say I’m very surprised about the way they have evolved their game. They are leading at the moment in terms of point difference and scoring tries,” Treu said.

“They have moved from a very prescriptive, set way of playing to giving their players the freedom to express themselves. I have always had lot of respect for (Bulls coach) Nollis Marais and (backs coach) David (Manuel), and what they have done with the team in such a short space of time.

“Stopping their momentum is always going to be key. Our forwards are still going to be key, stopping their forwards getting momentum. If we allow them to get quick ball at the breakdown, we will be in for a big challenge.”