Ludeke expects 'something special'

 

The 29-42 defeat to the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday was Ludeke's last match in charge, with Nollis Marais set to take over for the Currie Cup as the search for a new Super Rugby coach continues.

 

The limp display against the Cheetahs meant that Ludeke's seven-year term at the helm ended on something of a sour note, but he insisted that he had not lost the faith of the players and said that the team will be stronger for the experience going forward.

 

"I have got no doubt in my mind that everybody backed the campaign, backed the cause until the end.

 

"Something special will come from this, you can't go through tough times like this with a group of players, it doesn't matter who is moving on and staying behind – we will take a lot from this," he said.

 

While negotiations with Ludeke are ongoing about his role at the Bulls, he said he had no regrets at the end of a disappointing campaign.

 

"Blue Bulls rugby has a rich history and tradition and the players that play here know what that is about, so I am positive.

 

"There are no regrets from my side, we gave it our best and maybe our best shot wasn't good enough but we will take that," he said.

 

It was also the last match in a Bulls jersey for captain Pierre Spies who admitted that all of the off-field distractions had made things even tougher this week.

 

"It was a different week because of what is happening with players moving on and management also. Everyone was aware of it and it was quite difficult to keep the guys positive.

 

"We set high standards at the Bulls and we want to play winning rugby, this year the guys who are stating behind have got lots of character and I am sure we will bounce back in the Currie Cup," he said.