BULLS 2011
Three titles in the last four years! That is nothing to be scoffed at. Not surprising to hear some of the more respectable Australasian media outlets talk of them as the ‘new’ rugby dynasty.
It appears they, at times, get more respect outside of the South African borders than from their fellow countrymen.
They say respect is earned. Well, three titles in four years – something only bettered by the seven-time champion Crusaders with a hat-trick of titles in 1998, 1999 and 2000 – should earn the respect of all true rugby followers.
But this is a new year and a new competition.
Not that much has changed at the Bulls.
They have the same coach, captain and core player corps that saw them win back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. The core of that group, with the exception of the coach, was also together for the 2007 title.
They now have the continuity in personnel and pattern of play which must be the envy of many of their rivals. They have established systems which need only to be well-executed to make them strong contenders to win the expanded Super Rugby competition again.
In Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez they boast two of the most influential players in the world. Add to that the battle-hardened experience offered by stalwarts such as Danie Rossouw, Wynand Olivier and Gary Botha, the boot of Morné Steyn, and the rare brilliance of Pierre Spies, and you have the core of a very formidable team.
Injuries and player fatigue will play a role in all teams, with many questioning the Bulls’ dept. But you certainly can’t doubt their frontline selection.
Strengths: Experience and plenty of it. We’ve mentioned Matfield, Du Preez, Steyn, et al. If they stay fit and on the park for most of the season, this Bulls team will be hard to keep out of the play-offs. They have a proven recipe and even though many describe them as a ‘boring, kick-‘n-chase’ team, they were the tournament’s top try scorers in 2010 – 51 touch-downs in 15 matches. Not a bad return for a ‘boring’ team.
Weaknesses: Now that they have well and truly shaken the travel monkey, the only real concerns will be their predictability. They have a set pattern, making it easier (note, not EASY, just easier) for teams to work on counters. There are also some question mark about their depth beyond the frontline selection. The back-up squad have not yet convinced.
Noteworthy signings: It was with much fanfare that Bjorn Basson arrived in Pretoria from Kimberley at the end of last year. His domestic form was sublime, he will no doubt be in the spotlight. Not that they need it, but the arrival of Juandré Kruger from England, midway through last year (after the Super Rugby season) provides extra depth in the second row and at loose forward.
Noteworthy losses: The two biggest names are utility back Jacques-Louis Potgieter (moved to the Sharks) and Springbok hooker Bandise Maku (across the Jukskei to the Lions). Jaco Engels (to the Kings) is also a big loss. Others worth mentioning: Tiger Mangweni (Kings), John Mametsa (retired), Heini Adams (Bordeaux), Pedrie Wannenburg (Ulster), Wilhelm Steenkamp (Cheetahs).
Coach: In Frans Ludeke’s first year as Bulls coach they finished a very disappointing 10th on the log, but his two subsequent victories dispelled the notion that he is not up for the task. A close friend and ally of 2007 winner Heyneke Meyer, he has also formed a good relationship with the key players. Meticulous planning and attention to detail are his strengths.
Captain: Victor Matfield is renowned in world rugby not only as one of the great lock-forwards of his generation, but also for the intellect he brings to winning line-out ball – on his team’s ball as well as in disrupting and stealing opposition ball. As Bulls captain and Springbok stand-in skipper – when John Smit is not on the field – he has earned respect internationally as a captain. As back-up he has Fourie du Preez. The Bulls are fortunate indeed to have two such astute leaders.
Potential bolters: Stefan Watermeyer. Not only has he come through the ranks at the Bulls, but has represented his country at age-group level. Then there is Stephan Dippenaar, a classic outside centre, who is also more than capable of playing on the wing. He has got a lot of pace and with his aggressive defence and silky ball handling skills.
2010 Position: First
Best finish: Super 14 Winners in 2007, 2009 and 2010
Worst finish: 12th in the Super 12 (1999, 2001, 2002)
Home Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (Capacity 50,000)
2011 Prospects: You have to back them to be in or near the top two spots in the South African conference and if they make the play-offs, it will be tough to stop them. They have plenty of BMT!
Bulls squad (provisional): Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever, Stephan Dippenaar, Wynand Olivier, Bjorn Basson, Morné Steyn, Fourie du Preez (c), Pierre Spies, Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Rossouw de Klerk, Gary Botha, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling, Frik Kirsten, Fudge Mabeta, Ruan Snyman, Stefan Watermeyer, Francois Brummer, Akona Ndungane, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Derick Kuün, Jaco Pretorius, Francois Hougaard, Victor Matfield, Flip van der Merwe, Juandré Kruger, Werner Kruger.
Schedule:
19 February: v Lions, away
25 February: v Cheetahs, away
5 March: v Highlanders, home
12 March: Bye
19 March: v Stormers, home
26 March: v Lions, home
2 April: v Hurricanes, away
9 April: v Crusaders, away
16 April: v Reds, away
23 April: v Force, away
30 April: v Chiefs, home
7 May: Bye
14 May: v Rebels, home
21 May: v Sharks, away
28 May: v Cheetahs, home
3 June: v Waratahs, home
11 June: v Stormers, away
18 June: v Sharks, home
