Johan Goosen Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen said it was a tough time to recover from his knee injury. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Their paths crossed when they were still operating at under-20 level, and now Johan Goosen and Handré Pollard will join forces at the Bulls once more.
But the imminent arrival of Springbok flyhalf Pollard at Loftus Versfeld next season doesn’t seem to bother Goosen.
The latter was set to spearhead the Junior Springboks’ world championship quest in South Africa in 2012, but had to withdraw from the squad with a knee injury.
Pollard, then only in matric at Paarl Gymnasium, was called up as Goosen’s replacement by then-coach Dawie Theron.
And although the Junior Boks lost their tournament opener against Ireland, they went on to clinch the title against New Zealand at Newlands.
Goosen will turn 33 in July, while Pollard celebrated his 31st birthday in March, but Bulls coach Jake White will hope to have both playmakers at the top of their games for the Pretoria side to eye the Champions Cup title next season.
“I’ve played with Pollie at Montpellier for three seasons. He’s obviously won two World Cups... Good player, great signing for the Bulls. It’s just a positive for the Bulls,” Goosen said this week ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against Edinburgh in Scotland (1.30pm kick-off).
“In terms of my contract, I’ve still got one more season left at the Bulls, so I’m just taking it day by day, and be the best that I can be for the team.”
Goosen made his return to action from yet another lengthy knee injury layoff in last week’s 32-22 victory over Bayonne in France.
The 13-cap Springbok came on for the last 15 minutes at the Stade Jean Dauger in place of starting No 10 Keagan Johannes, and slotted a late penalty to close out the victory.
But Goosen is still working towards regaining his full fitness.
“I’ve been through this, and I must say, it’s been tough. This time was very tough for me,” he said about the knee injury.
“I’ve still got a bit of pain, but I must say that the coaches are managing me well, and I’m just happy to wear the jersey again, and got that 10 or 15 minutes at the weekend.
“I’m old! It’s getting there. They are managing me quite well, in the training sessions and with the physios.
“So, maybe a week or two, and hopefully the pain will be better and I will be fine.”