Although the whealth of talent at the Vodacom Blue Bulls is well known, fans would be forgiven if they thought that Fourie du Preez’s involvement with the Springbok team would leave a vacuum.
But that would only be the fans who have yet to take note of Heinie Adams.
Adams did get some game time in the Super 12, but it was only in the Currie Cup that he found himself in the starting line-up and grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Adams is one of the smallest players in the Currie Cup competition, but he fills his boots with aplomb.
“I am extremely happy about the game time I am getting,” says Adams, who believes that his heightened exposure will also lead to improved performances on the field. “I am not totally happy with my form yet, but it will pick up in the coming weeks.”
Adams regards the coachin at the Blue Bulls as one of the reasons for the brilliant play he has been producing of late. “Especially the individual coaching of the Blue Bulls is not something you get at other unions,” says Adams. “Here you receive position-specific coaching. I do, however, believe that all the aspects of my game can still improve.”
The youngster, who attended Esselen Park High School in the Boland, especially caught the eye this year as someone who can snipe through the smallest of gaps and he regards his ability to take his opportunities at the right time as one of his best attributes.
Adams seems so comfortable in the number nine jersey that it is hard to believe that he only made the move in high school. Earlier, he was a flyhalf, which explains his learned kicking boot.
Heinie’s family is extremely close-knit and he attributes his success to the influence of his entire family, as well as his girlfriend, Lynn.
With the Currie Cup in full swing, and players like Heinie Adams firing on all cylindres, it seems the trophy will stay in Pretoria for another year, even without the aid of the Boks.