The Bulls’ Coach Roots for Tighthead Prop Wilco Louw for URC Player of the Season
Amidst the nominations for the United Rugby Championship Player of the Season, Bulls coach Jake White is openly backing his tighthead prop, Wilco Louw, for the prestigious award. Louw, known for his dominating presence in scrums and his ability to demoralize opponents in the set-piece, has been a key player for the Bulls throughout the season.
Alongside star No 8 Cameron Hanekom and Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Louw has made it to the final three nominees for the URC Player of the Season award. The winner will be announced next Thursday during the URC Awards ceremony.
While White acknowledges the all-around strength of his team, he credits much of the Bulls’ success to their forward pack, particularly their dominance in scrums and mauls. This dominance has been instrumental in the Bulls’ impressive second-place finish in the league phase and their successful tour in Europe.
One memorable moment was Louw’s contribution to a scrum turnover that led to a match-winning penalty kick against Leinster, ending their 12-game winning streak. White commended Louw for his exemplary performance in the set-piece, which has been a driving force behind the Bulls’ success.
Bulls Coach Praises Wilco Louw’s Impact
During a recent field session as the Bulls gear up for their quarter-final against Edinburgh, White expressed his admiration for Louw’s contributions to the team.
White stated, “I genuinely hope that Wilco wins the award because of the significant impact he has had on our team. His presence on the field has allowed us to play our style of rugby effectively. Tighthead props are often underrated, but Wilco’s performance speaks for itself.”
While acknowledging the strong performances of Hanekom and Feinberg-Mngomezulu, White emphasized Louw’s exceptional control in the set-piece, which has been pivotal in dictating the flow of games.
Louw’s Commanding Presence and Demoralizing Effect
Despite having minimal scoring statistics, Louw’s influence on the game goes beyond try-scoring. His ability to win possession and penalties through set-piece dominance has been a game-changer for the Bulls, often leaving opponents demoralized.
White highlighted the significance of having a tighthead prop like Louw in the team, stating, “The importance of a strong tighthead prop cannot be overstated. Louw’s nomination for Player of the Season underscores the impact he has had on our team’s performance. It’s rare to see a prop player receive such recognition, but Louw’s contributions speak volumes.”
