Reinhardt Ludwig knows the honeymoon is over. After scoring a brace in the Bulls’ dominant 47-13 demolition of Zebre, the 24-year-old lock is under no illusions about the step up awaiting his side when they face Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday.
The Bulls romped to a seven-try victory in Parma to complete a clean sweep for South African sides in the opening round of the United Rugby Championship. But Ludwig insists his side must raise their standards significantly to tackle Munster on Irish soil.
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“We must be better,” said Ludwig bluntly. He identified Munster’s prowess in the tight exchanges as a particular concern, especially after the Bulls’ scrum showed inconsistency against Zebre. “They’re a good side, particularly in the tight phases.”
Beyond the technical battle, Ludwig is preparing for the hostile environment that awaits in Limerick. “It’s probably going to be rainy. The crowd is going to be in your ear. It’s a completely different challenge, and it’s about how you adapt and handle the pressure.” This will be his second encounter with Munster, following the Bulls’ 45-14 quarter-final triumph at Loftus Versfeld in May.
Ludwig is partnering fellow youngster Ruan Vermaak in the second row, filling the considerable void left by departed Springbok Ruan Nortje. He emphasised the collective nature of their task. “We have a [lineout] system, not a one-man show. I must know what Ruan Vermaak is doing and he must know what I’m doing.”
On replacing Nortje, Ludwig was philosophical. “Ruan left big boots to fill. But we’re young, all ambitious, we all want to be where he was. In the deep end is the best way to grow.”
Ludwig also reflected candidly on last season’s struggles, when he regularly missed out on match-day selection. “It wasn’t always sunshine and roses. It hurts when you’re not picked on a Monday to play on a Saturday, and that feeling stuck with me.”
The turnaround came through honest dialogue with the coaching staff and relentless pre-season work. Now back in the mix, Ludwig is taking nothing for granted. “You never know when you’re going to get another opportunity, so I’m extremely grateful.”
