Sanjay's Rugby World

The Bulls owe the Highlanders!

Whilst the Bulls sit on top of the log after 3 rounds, there is no complacency in the squad, nor are they underestimating the Highlanders. Last season the Bulls were in a similar position before the Highlanders gave them a good hiding in Palmerston North and made life difficult for the Bulls on tour.

This year we owe the Highlanders a good walloping! We’ve generally found them quite easy opposition, and the Highlanders are now three weeks into a difficult tour and have to return to the highveld. As long as we don’t start poorly like we have done, we should be able to open a decent lead by half-time, before causing carnage in the second half!

Earlier this week Pierre Spies mentioned last years game is at the back of the Bulls’ mind, but they are seeking the improvements necessary to satisfy their own standards. “We have to make up for last year. We’ve had a good three weeks, but technically we can improve a lot, especially in the standards we want to reach as a team. We set very high standards for ourselves and while the results have been good for us so far, we want to attain the standards we set for ourselves” said Spies.

The Highlanders possess a no-name pack that does the basics well. We won’t kill them in the scrums, but we should dominate at lineout time. If we get our rolling mauls working we’ll have a great platform to launch attacks from.

Without Jimmy Cowan the Highlanders won’t have a lot of threat around the fringes, and the Highlanders backs are fairly ordinary. As long as we are solid in first time tackles, we’ll be able to exploit them in the midfield and create space for our back three, Hougaard, van den Heever and Kirchner who have been in great try-scoring form already.


The Bulls have continued with their rotation policy and even opted for a 5-2 split on the bench.
Heini Adams goes to the Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup side to get valuable game time ahead of the Bulls overseas tour as Francois Hougaard can cover scrumhalf if needed.

“Heini means a lot to us and it was important that he gets a full game before the tour starts” said Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

Derick Kuun gains a second start keeping in-form flank Deon Stegmann on the bench, whilst Dewald Potgieter gets his first start of the year after recovering from his knee injury.

“It is part of the squad system and our rotation policy. The Super 14 is a race over a season, but the team comes first and everybody bought into it. We have spoken about it at length and everything is geared to giving ourselves a chance at the end of the season when the play-offs begin” continued Ludeke.

This illustrates the forward thinking the Bulls have had this season, and willingness to be bold. It also shows the Bulls want to win this competition, when too often South African sides simply aim to “do well.” How can they win the competition if the expectation is not there?

Danie Rousouw moves back to lock, meaning Flip van der Merwe drops back to the bench after starting 2010 strongly.

On the bench Rousouw de Klerk replaces Bees Roux who was suffered a large gash to the head in a freak accident with the scrum machine.


Captain Victor Matfield also has the distinction of captaining the Bulls for the 50th time in what will be his 99th Super 14 match. That’s a fantastic achievement, and in my mind Matfield has become the most valuable player in South Africa (if not the world!)

Matfield remains focused on the task at hand and is not underestimating this Highlanders side. “They have a strong set phase and can be very difficult opponents. They created enough chances against the Stormers and we realise that our A-game will be needed to beat them” said Matfield.

Morne Steyn meanwhile only needs 23 points to equal the Super rugby record for the fastest century of points in a season. Gavin Lawlwess set the record in 1997 after he was helped by scoring 50 points against the Highlanders.

Go Bulle Go!

Vodacom Bulls:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. Gary Botha
3. Werner Kruger
4. Danie Rousouw
5. Victor Matfield (c)
6. Derick Kuun
7. Dewald Potgieter
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Francois Hougaard
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Stephan Dippenaar
14. Gerhard van den Heever
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Bandise Maku
17. Rousouw de Klerk
18. Flip van der Merwe
19. Deon Stegmann
20. Pedrie Wannenburg
21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter
22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen

Highlanders:

1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Jason MacDonald
3. Chris King
4. Josh Bekhuis
5. Tom Donnelly
6. Tim Boys
7. Alando Soakai
8. Steven Setephano
9. Sean Romans
10. Matt Berquist
11. Fetu’u Vainikolo
12. Jason Shoemark
13. Kenny Lynn
14. Ben Smith
15. Israel Dagg

16. Jason Rutledge
17. Bronson Murray
18. Hayden Triggs
19. John Hardie
20. Scott Cowan
21. Robbie Robinson
22. James Paterson

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

Previous Super 14 results:

2006: Bulls 23, Highlanders 16 (Pretoria)
2007: Bulls 22, Highlanders 13 (Dunedin)
2008:Bulls 47, Highlanders 17 (Pretoria)
2009: Bulls 12, Highlanders 36 (Palmerston North)

The Bulls were brilliant and showed why they are championship material once again.

They got ambushed by the Waratahs early on, a slight concern given we haven’t started well in our 3 games to date.
However after conceding 17 points after only 10 minutes, the Bulls once again showed that there is no need to panic,  and focused on implementing their game plan.

The Waratahs had shown they can be dangerous with ball in hand and using their pace out wide. However gradually the Bulls forwards started to gain momentum, and whether it was pressure or a change in tactics from the Waratahs, as they kicked more ball back to the Bulls, they started to run the ball back at the Waratahs and exert their own pressure with ball in hand.

The Waratahs started to feel the difficulty of making tackles at Loftus, and it blunted their attack. Constant pressure resulted in a good try to Francois Hougaard, and unfortunately when Fourie du Preez took a quick tap, young Gerhard van den Heever couldn’t dot the ball down as he was held up.

Not too long afterwards, Stephen Dipenaar was put through a gap beautifully and the Bulls went into the half-time break only 9 points behind, but more importantly had gained the momentum in the match.

After half-time the match continued in much the same vain, as the Bulls machine was in full throttle. The Waratahs did score 2 further tries, but they were limited to breakout opportunities.

I thought ref Marius Jonker did a good job, but he was fairly lenient on the Waratahs for repeated infringements. I’d have binned one of them and set the example.

Interestingly the Bulls turned down multiple opportunities to go for poles from penalties, opting instead to kick for the corner and set up a lineout. One such penalty occurred with only 3 minutes on the clock and the Bulls holding a 3 point lead.

At the post match interview captain colossus, Victor Matfield said they felt that there were multiple try scoring opportunities and rather than defending a 6 point lead and risking a possible loss, it was better to go for the try and seal the match.

It represents such a positive attitude and willingness to back one’s ability. The last time a South African side was this confident on a regular basis was the Sharks and Springboks in 1998 under Gary Teichmann.

The way the Bulls are travelling, the personnel at their disposal and the attitude they’ve exhibited make me proud to be a Bulls supporter and gives me confidence for the challenges that still lie ahead!



Bulls 48
Tries: Francois Hougaard (2), Stephan Dippenaar, Gerhard van den Heever, Wynand Olivier, Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Conversions: Morne Steyn (6)
Penalties: Steyn (2)

Waratahs 38
Tries: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Mowen, Lachlan Turner, Drew Mitchell
Conversions: Berrick Barnes (2), Kurtley Beale
Penalties: Barnes (3)
Drop Goal: Barnes

Bulls player rating:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 8

Showed great pace at times with his chasing and his work-rate has been exceptional. Clearly reaping the rewards of a strong off-season and one of the unsung heroes of this Bulls pack.

2. Gary Botha – 7

Once again did his job well. Lineouts were very solid, and possibly not quite as dynamic with ball in hand as we’ve seen in the past, but he’s regaining the form of old.

3. Werner Kruger – 8

Improving in leaps and bounds. Struggled to provide the steady right shoulder at times, but was exceptional around the breakdowns and carrying the ball up close to the line.

4. Flip van der Merwe – 7

A good performance from the big lock, but didn’t quite reach the heights he did against the Brumbies. A willing ball carrier and made his presence felt in the tight.

5. Victor Matfield (c) – 8

Brilliant. Was all over the park, tidying up and controlling the Bulls side especially around the breakdowns. Was responsible for losing 1 lineout, just to prove he is human. However when the pressure was on, Matfield took responsibility and had the ball thrown to himself.

His confidence and faith in his side and summing up of the situation was perfect. Turned down multiple kicks at goal, which turned out to be great decisions. In my mind the most influential player in South African rugby over the last 10 years.

6. Derick Kuun – 6

A fairly quiet game in what will probably be a rare starting role. Not quite quick enough to the breakdown to make his presence notable, but the strength of the Bulls is their work as a unit.

7. Pedrie Wannenburg – 7

Always a willing ball carrier. Hasn’t really broken the line but always threatening and has been a trojan on defence. Made one bad error spilling the ball in the second half.

8. Danie Rousouw – 6

Generally coped well at number 8, but found it difficult picking the ball up from the base of an unsteady scrum. More suited to the lock position as evidenced when he made a great lineout steal that led to Francois Hougaard’s second try.

9. Fourie du Preez -7

Great service to his backline, and on the odd occasion he kicked, he did it well. Perhaps could run more and snipe around the fringes, but still the world’s best scrumhalf on any sort of form!

10. Morne Steyn – 9

Made a couple of kicking errors including the poor decision taking the 22m restart that put the Bulls under pressure. However he didn’t miss a place kick, including two crucial and difficult attempts converting tries into 7 pointers. That could have made all the difference as the Bulls gained a valuable lead.

His tactical kicking/up and unders were good, and he showed the Stormers that if you have to err at all, go for too much distance rather than too little and ensure youhave the opportunity to defend the runners.

11. Francois Hougaard – 8

Has fancy fast feet and looks threatening whenever he gets the ball. Made a couple of handling errrors, including one in space with the overlap but will become a great player.

12. Wynand Olivier – 7

Strong midfield presence and posing a lot of questions on attack. Did his job well.

13. Stephan Dippenaar – 7

Took his try scoring opportunity well and solid in midfield defence. Moved the ball along the backline really well.

14. Gerhard van den Heever – 8

Took good options and finished off well. A couple of Waratah breaks down his flank in the second half, but he’ll learn when to come in and make the spot tackle. Having a good start to the year so far.

15. Zane Kirchner – 8

Kicked well and contests the ball brilliantly on the counter. Makes great covering tackles and is an important player coming into the line and asking questions of the opposition defence.

16. Bandise Maku – 8

Ensured the scrums lost nothing when he came on and his set-piece play is very good.

17. Bees Roux – 7

Did what was expected.

18. Deon Stegmann – 9

Brilliant. So quick, but more importantly intelligent at the breakdowns. Prior to getting injured midway through last season I thought he was the best openside flank and this year he has reconfirmed his talent. Deserves a Springbok callup.

19. Dewald Potgieter – 7

Still feeling his way back.

20. Heini Adams -

Not used

21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter – 8

Carried the ball up well and offers the extra tactical kicking option. Took his try superbly.

22. Jaco van der Westhuyzen – 7

Didn’t have much to do, but showed his confidence running with the ball and putting a long kick in when needed.

Live updates from Loftus as the Bulls take on the Waratahs

Out come the Bulls to a great reception from their home crowd. C’mon Bulls we gotta win, and become the first South African side to win in round 3!

1st Min – Great start to the Waratahs. The Bulls have not been convincing from the restarts this year. Early opportunity to the Waratahs.

3rd Min – Damn! Poor start from the Bulls and Tatafu Polota-Nau charges over the line from the ruck.
Berrick Barnes converts to give the Waratahs a 7-0 lead.

5th Min – Waratahs run it out from their own 22m. They look dangerous so far and eventually earn a penalty.
Barnes has a penalty attempt and strikes it perfectly. 10-0.

9th Min – Kane Douglas goes over for the try. This is fantastic play through shoddy Bulls defence. We are in trouble tonight. The midfield defence is struggling.
Barnes kicks the conversion to make it 17-0 after 11 mins.

14th Min – Bulls drive close to the line. Just can’t get over.
Waratahs collapsing the maul and coming in from the side.

15th Min – Hougaard! Try. Beautiful sustained buildup and the Bulls are on the board!
Morne Steyn adds the conversion. 17-7. C’mon boys another couple of tries!

18th Min – Bulls made the overlap, but Hougaard couldn’t hold the pass in space. Bulls are starting to find their rhythm.

20th Min – Berrick Barnes with the snap drop goal. Waratahs extend their lead to 20-7.

21st Min – Penalty Bulls. Morne Steyn kicks 3 points and narrows the deficit once more to 10. It’s 20-10.

24th Min – Penalty to the Waratahs. Olivier pinged for not rolling away.
Waratahs 23-10.

26th Min – Another penalty to the Waratahs. The Bulls had a very poor scrum and allow the Waratahs to break out from their half.
Barnes lines up another penalty attempt.
He makes no mistake. Waratahs extend the lead to 26-10.

29th Min – Bulls penalty and they go for the corner.
Eventually a scrum will have to be set near the poles. Gotta score and get back in this one.

32nd Min – du Preez taps the penalty and runs, but van den Heever can’t put the ball down over the line. Damn!

34th Min – Dippenaar! Try. Great buildup and pressure. Waratahs need to be warned for repeated infringing.
Morne Steyn adds the conversion to narrow the gap to 26-17.

39th Min – Magnificent Bulls defence. Over 10+ phases on their tryline. Morne Steyn clears.
Critical defence to remain in the game.

Half-Time Bulls 17 Waratahs 26

The Waratahs started really well, but the Bulls are starting to wear them down, but we’ll have to overcome a 9 point deficit. C’mon guys!

41st Min – Early penalty to the Bulls.
Morne Steyn pulls back another 3.
Waratahs lead 26-20.
Just one score away now.

45th Min – Bulls starting get into stride. Kirchner down the left hand flank, just didn’t get the right bounce from his chip ahead. So close.

The Bulls have the altitude factor and 2 keys, Deon Stegmann and Dewald Potgieter still to come.

49th Min – Francois Hougaard in the left hand corner! Fantastic. Through the phases after the Waratahs lost a lineout. That was brilliant!
Morne Steyn to convert from the left hand touchline.
Was there ever any doubt? Bulls lead 27-26.
For the first time in the match we are in front!

Deon Stegmann comes on for Danie Rousouw.

53rd Min – Lachie Turner scores in the right hand corner for the Waratahs. Burgess making a couple of breaks from scrumhalf. Have to watch him.
Berrick Barnes had a kick from the right hand touch and can’t match Steyn’s effort.
Waratahs lead again, 31-27.

55th Min – Bulls penalty. Again they turn down the kick and go for the corner.
Another penalty on the Waratahs line. Only a warning, I’d have put someone in the bin!
Bulls opt to tap from in front of the poles.

57th Min – Try! Right hand touchline, the Bulls battered away and went wide to Gerhard van den Heever. Superb.
Bonus point try! Now we just need to make sure of the win.
Morne Steyn from the right hand touchline shows Barnes how to kick!
Bulls ahead 34-31.

Dewald Potgieter on the field for Derick Kuun.

60th Min – Accidental offside to the Waratahs. Now they have to play catch up. It’s a different mindset, and one that is so hard at Loftus!
Kurtley Beale replaces Lachie Turner.

Danie Rousouw comes back on for Flip van der Merwe. I think that’s a blood replacement.

61st Min – Damn, poor clearing from the scrum. And now we are under pressure again.

64th Min – Good midfield defence from the Bulls. We just need to play a bit deeper in the Waratahs half. I’d like a bigger lead!
Bees Roux on for Werner Kruger.

66th Min – Deon Stegmann earns the penalty at the breakdown. He is just awesome!

67th Min – Penalty to the Bulls. Waratahs tackler not rolling away.
Again the Bulls don’t kick at goal. Go for the lineout.

68th Min – A bit scrappy, but we earn a scrum 5m out. Have to score and make them pay!
I notice Bandise Maku is on for Gary Botha.
Olivier under the poles!!! YEAH! van den Heever was the dummy runner and Olivier ran into the gap.
Morne Steyn converts from right in front.
Bulls lead 41-31.

71st Min – The Waratahs score under the posts. Long range try, and Drew Mitchell finished well.
Now the Bulls only lead 41-38.

73rd Min – Waratahs running strongly, but get a penalty for obstruction.
Welcome chance to clear and set up a lineout.
Jaco van der Westhuyzen returns to super rugby in place of Francois Hougaard.

75th Min – Penalty to the Waratahs as the Bulls hold on at the ruck.
I don’t like the fact it could end in a draw too. That doesn’t help us at all.

77th Min – Phil waugh penalised at the breakdown. What do we do here?
Well Morne Steyn drills it deep into Waratahs territory. Going to grind down time now. We could have kicked that.

79th Min – There it is!!! We had the penalty, but Morne Steyn beautifully chips it over the top and Jacques-Louis Potgieter regathers for the winning try!
Of course Steyn converts to give the Bulls a 48-38 lead.

Full-time Bulls 48 Waratahs 38

What a great win for the Bulls. So much courage shown in coming back from 17 points down. We didn’t panic, and slowly imposed ourselves on the game.

Slightly concerning to concede so many points, and 4 tries, but hey we are outscoring the opposition and that’s all that counts.

We now have a week off, and it’ll be great to allow some of our players a chance to get back to full fitness and over the niggling injuries.

And thankfully we are at the top of the table!

PR: wait… I: wait… L: wait… LD: wait… I: wait… wait… Rank: wait… Traffic: wait… Price: wait… C: wait…

The Bulls are going to show their depth in 2010!

Coach Frans Ludeke has shown how confident he is in his extended squad.

Pierre Spies has a niggling injury to he calf, and had this been towards the end of the season I’m sure he would’v played. Instead Ludeke has decided to give him a break which I think is a great move. It brings in a World Cup winning Springbok in Danie Rousouw to eighthman!

Ludeke has also placed faith in Flip van der Merwe at lock, with Danie Rousouw the cover for the lock position. This allows both Deon Stegmann and Dewald Potgieter to cover the loose forwards on the bench. That’s an awesome replacement bench, and shows great faith in Derick Kuun to take the starting role given Stegmann’s recent form.

It has been impressive how professional this Bulls side has become. Not content to rest on their laurels, they are continually seeking to build their depth, and in my mind have the attitude required of a champion side. I’m sure they’ll reap the benefits at the end of the season.

The Waratahs are a side on the decline. They play a defensive, territory oriented game. For a side like the Bulls who place a great emphasis on dominating the set-pieces, we’ll more than match their lineout, and should hold them at scrum-time. We’ve got a better kicking game, especially on the highveld. This should allow us to dominate territory.

The Waratahs don’t ask enough questions on attack, so we should be able to win fairly comfortably by limiting the penalties (I can’t see them threatening our try line too much) and working patiently to bust their defence which is their strength. I think we’ll have too much firepower all around the field for them to withstand a concerted attack.

3 Wins out of 3 will leave us in a great position with our remaining home games before hitting the road where we may only have to win 2 out of 4.

Go Bulle Go!

Vodacom Bulls:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. Gary Botha
3. Werner Kruger
4. Flip van der Merwe
5. Victor Matfield (c)
6. Derick Kuun
7. Pedrie Wannenburg
8. Danie Rousouw
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Francois Hougaard
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Stephan Dippenaar
14. Gerhard van den Heever
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Bandise Maku
17. Bees Roux
18. Deon Stegmann
19. Dewald Potgieter
20. Heini Adams
21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter
22. John Mametsa/Jaco van der Westhuyzen

Waratahs:

1. Benn Robinson
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Al Baxter
4. Dave Dennis
5. Kane Douglas
6. Ben Mowen
7. Phil Waugh (c)
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Luke Burgess
10. Daniel Halangahu
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Berrick Barnes
13. Tom Carter
14. Lachie Turner
15. Sosene Anesi

16. Damien Fitzpatrick
17. Sekope Kepu
18. Will Caldwell
19. Locky McKaffrey
20. Josh Holmes
21. Kurtley Beale
22. Rob Horne

Previous Super 14 results:

2006: Bulls 26, Waratahs 17 (Pretoria)
2007: Bulls 32, Waratahs 19 (Sydney)
2008:Bulls 16, Waratahs 13 (Pretoria)
2009: Bulls 20, Waratahs 6 (Sydney)

Thankfully sanity has prevailed and Victor Matfield has been cleared to lead the Bulls on Saturday against the Waratahs.

Matfield had been cited and appeared at a SANZAR judicial hearing on Monday. After viewing the incident from multiple views, advocate Jannie Lubbe concluded that Matfield had struck Elsom in a lawful manner cleaning out at the ruck and the charges were dismissed.

Obviously the Brumbies will be peeved. They should try playing rugby instead of crying about incidents such as these, and calling the Bulls names!

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke was extremely happy to get his inspirational captain back and said “Victor provides so much to the team and it is great to know that he will be available to play. The Waratahs are a quality side and we certainly need to face them with our strongest possible team.”

Injury update

The Bulls have recovered remarkably well after Saturday’s game with the Brumbies. Those that were causing most concern appear on the road to recovery.

Pierre Spies caused the most concern when he went down in severe pain during the match. Scans have shown there is no structural or cruciate damage, he simply injured a muscle behind the knee. Spies will play but won’t train with the side until the captains run on Friday.

Bulls team doctor Org Strauss had this to say, “He (Spies) actually injured a muscle behind the knee, which was good news, as we’d feared some structural damage to the knee. We expect him to be fit.”

Dewald Potgieter is recovering from his knee injury and is available for selection. The question in the loose forwards will be who do you leave out? Spies, Stegmann and Potgieter would be my preferred combination, with Wannenburg on the bench. It would be a tough call for Derick Kuun to miss out however.

Danie Rousouw is also expected to play on Saturday after a neck strain last week.

The only player not considered was Jaco Pretorius who is still recovering from a quad strain, thus Stephan Dippenaar will remain at outside centre.

Match awards v the Brumbies (source: Bulls website)

The weekly Bulls team awards were dominated by the forwards with tighthead prop Werner Kruger leading the way.

Kruger made the most cleans, Deon Stegmann the most tackles with a mammoth 16 tackles. His workrate has been fantastic and other than the tackles, his speed to the breakdowns has been fantastic. While fetcher flanker play has to be redefined due to the new law interpretations, Stegmann has shown he has adapted better than any other player. I wonder if Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is considering rewarding Stegmann if he keeps us this form!

Lock Flip van der Merwe won the award for exceptional performance after a great starting performance. The depth at lock will hopefully allow Matfield a chance to rest at some stage, especially when old mate Bakkies Botha returns.

Morne Steyn won 2 awards, including the best back as he scored 35 points which included 2 tries.

The key to victory for me was the team effort rather than individuals and forwards coach Johan van Graan had this to say “We again reacted and adapted very well to the referee’s interpretation of the rucks and mauls. We had possession 80 times and recycled the ball 80 times.”

“The restarts and line-outs were very competitive, with both teams winning two of the opponent’s balls. We are very happy with the scrums and we again scored two tries from this phase” continued van Graan.

Defence coach John McFarland said “We became stronger defensively as the game went on. The new application have brought about changes to techniques and require a high level of conditioning to defend for 80 minutes. We did that with some success and made 112 tackles with a 90% completion.”

Bulls Superman Pierre Spies may have picked up a serious knee injury in the Bulls win over the Brumbies on Saturday.

Midway through the second half, Spies was tackled and looked to have wrenched his knee badly. He lay on the ground in agony, and my initial thoughts were “this is serious.”

However the big man got up and although ginger for a few minutes, he managed to play on. Eventually Spies was substituted once the result of the match was a foregone conclusion.

Knee ligament injuries can often go undetected. Judging by the pain Spies felt initially he must’ve torn something to register that acute pain, I just hope it’s not a cruciate ligament which provides the majority of the knee’s stability and if torn will most likely need surgical repair (and a lengthy rehabilitation period).

The only way to confirm the diagnosis is from scans. Generally a MRI scan. Bulls team doctor Org Strauss confirmed Spies will have the knee scanned on monday and said “I’ve seen injuries like this before that have looked fairly innocuous but have turned out to be serious, so we’ll wait and see.”

I hope Spies is okay, otherwise he may need to don his cape and fly instead of run! I’m sure all Bulls fans will be holding thumbs for him!

The good news for the Bulls is that Dewald Potgieter is making excellent progress after his medial ligament strain to his knee and should be available for selection this week.He will resume training on Monday, and is the unfortunate happens and Spies is ruled out (or even rested if needed), the Bulls have a fantastic replacement.

“We’ll see how he responds in training but his rehabilitation has gone very well and we’re confident he’ll be ready for the Waratahs” said Dr Strauss.

Meanwhile the injuries to lock Danie Rousouw and centre Jaco Pretorius may need another week, but the Bulls have depth in those positions. However the citing to Victor Matfield could potentially throw a spanner in the works.

The Bulls will also gain Springboks Bakkies Botha, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Akona Ndungane over the next 4-5 weeks too as they recover from longer-term injuries.

Bulls captain courageous and inspirational leader Victor Matfield has been cited following the Bulls 50-32 demolition of the Brumbies at Loftus.

Matfield is not a dirty player, he is one of the nicest guys around. In fact he’s so thin he could barely cause anyone damage!

Matfield was cited for foul play and charged with striking Brumbies flanker Rocky Elsom in the 17th minute under law 10.4 (a).

Deon Stegmann was in a ruck (and was left with a bleeding nose), and Elsom struck him with his forearm. Matfield came in to clean out Elsom, and unfortunately his forearm made contact with the bottom portion of Elsom’s face which doesn’t look good for Matfield.

I have no doubt Matfield was coming to his teammates defence and was simply trying to clean out at the ruck.

I’m not sure if it is the same incident or another but Matfield was also cited for charging into a ruck without binding onto another player under law 10.4 (k).

The Bulls have embraced the new law interpretations almost better than any other side and I thought their discipline has been fantastic so far. Why do the Bulls (and Springboks) always seem to get cited, suspended and generally subject to a different law compared to others?

Meanwhile thugs like Sione Lauaki get a 1 match ban for dangerous spear tackles? Where is the consistency? The Bulls just want to play rugby!

The hearing will occur on Monday lunchtime at Loftus. Thankfully it shouldn’t disrupt the Bulls preparations for their match against the Waratahs on Saturday.

I am not sure who actually Matfield. The new citing procedure has Freek Burger as the citing commissioner in South Africa, and as I understand it he has the final say on whether to put forward a citing if either side has put forward a citing request. My gut feel is that knowing the Aussies are yellow as they are, they’ve cited Matfield because they can’t stand losing and don’t know how else to compete with the Bulls.

Let’s hope justice and sanity prevails and Matfield can lead the Bulls on Saturday.

The Bulls produced a superb team effort in front of their home fans in coming back to thrash the Brumbies 50-32 at Loftus on Saturday.

The strength of this side is not the quality of the individuals, but the family bond and ability to play as a team. The game plan is clear, they don’t panic, and the grind the opposition down. Loftus creates massive pain for the opposition and the Brumbies will regret Adam Ashley-Cooper providing ammunition to the Bulls by calling the Bulls parasites!

Bulls 50
Tries: Wynand Olivier, Fourie du Preez, Gerhard van den Heever, Morne Steyn (2)
Conversions: Steyn (5)
Penalties: Steyn (5)

Brumbies 32
Tries: Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Pat McCabe
Conversion: Stirling Mortlock
Penalties: Mortlock (4):

Bulls player rating:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 7

A strong showing from the front-ranker who looks supremely fit and getting around the park well. A second half kick through highlighted his range of skills, but the execution wasn’t perfect. Scrumming well so far this year.

2. Gary Botha – 7

A strong showing around the park, and brings solidity to the pack. Accurate lineout throwing also.

3. Werner Kruger – 7

Solid around the field and made numerous carries. A tireless worker who does his job well.

4. Flip van der Merwe – 7

Strong carrying the ball up, and almost always crossed the advantage line. Brings the hard edge similar to Bakkies Botha and going from strength to strength with each outing.

5. Victor Matfield (c) – 8

A strong showing from the captain who led his charges well. Superb at lineout time and controlled his side well around the field and dealt with the referee without getting flustered. Such a cool, calm customer under pressure, and keeps his side focused well.

6. Deon Stegmaan – 8

Brilliant. Massive work rate and regaining the form of last year. So quick to the breakdowns and contested well when able. Has adapted brilliantly to the new law variations and on this form could be a Springbok this year.

7. Pedrie Wannenburg – 7

Not a stand out performance in his 100th game, but extremely workmanlike, carrying the ball strongly when needed, and working hard in defence. A good all round effort.

8. Pierre Spies – 8

Carried the ball well, and dangerous even from a standing start. Caused great anxiety when he went down with a knee injury in the second half and looked in severe pain. It’s full extent will only be known later in the week, but such a pivotal man for the Bulls. Constantly threatened the opposition.

9. Fourie du Preez -8

Another solid showing from the world’s premier scrumhalf. His service has been excellent this year, option taking good, and dangerous with ball in hand. Hasn’t used the box kick much, a sign the Bulls have used ball in hand much more.

10. Morne Steyn – 8

Missed his first kick, an ambitious 58m attempt, but kicked superbly after that. Strong with ball in hand two, and his support play to score two tries is often underestimated. Made a couple of errors with his kicking in general play and won’t be pleased with that.

11. Francois Hougaard – 8

Another to go down in the second half, but looked more like a direct collision injury as opposed to his knee. I was sceptical as to how he’d go on the wing, but Hougaard posed a threat every time he touched the ball. Massively talented, and he’ll have a great season if he keeps up this form.

12. Wynand Olivier – 7

Solid game from Olivier. Strong in defence and constantly asking questions on attack. Set the ball up well when the Bulls needed it, and took intelligent options.

13. Stephan Dippenaar – 7

Showed the Bulls depth and looked right at home at this level. Ran straight and hard (something the Sharks would do well to learn). Didn’t break the line, but will be more confident next time round.

14. Gerhard van den Heever – 8

Showed his pace when needed. Often appears to be cruising, but deceptively quick. Developing the knack of sniffing out tries, which all good wingers have.

15. Zane Kirchner – 8

So reliable at the back for the Bulls. Kicks well, and hits the line brilliantly. However it is his cover defence and ability to come forward and make the spot tackle, stopping the opposition player dead in his tracks that allows the Bulls time to regroup. Massively under-rated.

16. Bandise Maku – 7

Getting better and better. Ensure the Bulls scrum was solid, and lineout throwing is good.

17. Bees Roux -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating

18. Fudge Mabeta -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating

19. Derick Kuün – 7

Initially took time to adapt to the breakdown rulings, but competed well in this area and strong with ball in hand. Together with Stegmann they are so quick to the breakdowns.

20. Heini Adams – 7

Not much game time, but has the best pass in South Africa and always does his job well.

21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating

22. John Mametsa -

Not on long enough to make a decent rating

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Live updates from Loftus as the Bulls take on the Brumbies

Pedrie Wannenburg leads the Bulls out onto the field in his 100th game. Well done!

The field looks a bit mottled. It’s being resown for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

2nd Min – Brumbies get an early penalty. Mortlock kicks it, Brumbies lead 3-0.

9th Min – A fairly even beginning with plenty of intensity. Morne Steyn to have a penalty attempt from 58m. Poor strike and it goes under the crossbar. Brumbies still lead 3-0.

11th Min – Bulls not looking as polished this week. I don’t like being behind!

12th Min – Bulls penalty at scrumtime. A kickable penalty. C’mon Morne.
Hits it well. Scored tied at 3-3!

14th Min – Brumbies over the line! I think he lost it but we are going to the TMO. I thought he lost it, but I suspect it will be a try.
Yup, Rocky Elsom awarded the try in the left hand corner. Damn! Brumbies lead 8-3.

Mortlock misses the conversion to the right. It stays 8-3.

17th Min – Great Bulls buildup. Gain a penalty but just couldn’t quite breakthrough. Morne Steyn makes it 8-6.

21st Min – A move by the Bulls goes horribly wrong. Rocky Elsom sets George Smith away and scores under the sticks. With the conversion the Brumbies have a handy 15-6 lead.

23rd Min – Bulls penalty. Steyn kicks into the corner. C’mon guys!

24th Min – Try! Fourie du Preez goes through from the base of the maul, and was aided by ref Mark Lawrence being slightly in the way.

Morne Steyn makes it 15-13.

Surprisingly quite sparse on the far stand. Probably 20-25 000 crowd, but that’s a guess.

29th Min – Penalty to the Brumbies right in front.
Mortlock makes it 18-13.

33rd Min – Morne Steyn! Great buildup and taking the ball through the phases. Try time.
Kicks his own conversion and the Bulls take the lead 20-18. Yeah!

36th Min – Brumbies penalty. Gary Botha deemed offside out wide. The difference in defence between this game and the Lions-Chiefs game is highly evident.
Mortlock 5m in from the left hand sideline.
Good kick and the Brumbies lead again, 21-20.

38th Min – Morne misses the drop. So close.

Half-Time: Bulls 20 Brumbies 21

42nd Min – Matt Giteau gets the drop goal. In off the post but he’ll take it. That one was the result of a kick mistake from Steynn. Brumbies ahead 24-20.

45th Min – Good Bulls buildup. Get he penalty. They kick for the corner.

46th Min – It goes horribly awry, and the Brumbies breakout. Francois Hougaard took a knock to the leg and is limping a bit.

Will the altitude takes it’s effect later in the game? I hope so!

Pedrie Wannenburg leaves the field and Derick Kuun comes on.

50th Min – Brumbies penalty right near the posts.
Mortlock makes it 27-20.
C’mon Bulls!

51st Min – Penalty to the Bulls. Kicks to the corner again. We need a try!
From the maul we get another penalty. The Brumbies were coming in from the side too. Ref should bin them, or at least warn them!
Morne Steyn kicks it. Brumbies ahead now 27-23.

56th Min – Gerhard van den Heever. Good boy! Picks up the loose ball from the lineout. Try!
The Bulls are now in front 30-27 after the conversion.

59th Min – Deon Stegmann does great work getting to the breakdown quickly. Earns the turnover and penalty.

Pierre Spies looks in trouble. The big man looks to have damaged his knee. Hope he is ok. He is continuing, but then he is Superman!

61st Min – Wynand Olivier!!! Try! Just a simple switch move with Morne Steyn from the scrum. The Blue machine starting to get into gear. And that’s the bonus point try.
Morne Steyn makes it 37-27, and a handy 10 point lead now.

67th Min – Bulls starting to dominate and earn the penalty.
Morne Steyn makes it 40-27. One more score should seal it. Go for the drop Morne!

70th Min – Penalty to the Brumbies for a high tackle from Zane Kirchner. C’mon gotta defend well.

The Bulls just need to wind this game down now. 8 and a half to go.

73rd Min – Penalty Bulls. Right in front. Morne Steyn can wrap it up. It’d be nice to deny the Brumbies a bonus point too.
74th Min – Morne Steyn kicks it and Bulls ahead 43-27.

76th Min – Morne Steyn! You beauty. A try next to the posts after fantastic buildup. Another 50 pointer.
Morne Steyn kicks the conversion and now it is 50-27. Morne Steyn has 35 points.

It’s been 30 points to 6 in the second half.

81st Min – A late try at the end to the Brumbies. To no real avail as they can’t get a bonus point.
Mortlock misses the conversion and the score is 50-32.

Full-time: Bulls 50 Brumbies 32

An excellent victory for the Bulls who were under real pressure halfway through the match. Like last week, and last year, there is no panic in this side and they performed the job superbly.

We now sit atop the log, a good place to be!

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Wallaby and Brumbies fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper has labelled the Bulls as parasites ahead of this Saturday’s encounter with the Bulls at Loftus.

In an article published in the Canberra Times, Ashley-Cooper said “They play such a parasitic game of footy, their game plan, they just rely on putting all the pressure on you and wait for you to slip up.”

”They are parasites, as I like to describe the way they play. Morne Steyn and Fourie du Preez are such fantastic kickers so as a result, they get to play such good field position and use their dominant forwards to get over the advantage line and wait for opportunities to pop up. And then they sink their teeth in. We need to give that back to them, to master our kicking game, to play in their half, to pile the pressure on them and play how and where we want to”. continued Ashley-Cooper.

I understand what Ashley-Cooper is trying to say, the Bulls get under your skin, have a  great kicking game and wait for mistakes as a result of applying immense pressure to capitalise on. However it may be a large part of the Bulls game, but they have more attributes than that. Remember the Super 14 final last year? Did Ashley-Cooper see the 6 tries the Bulls scored last week?

Diplomacy has never been an Australian strength. I am sure the Bulls will love the red cape waved in front of them by Ashley-Cooper this week. The crowd will certainly remind him every time he touches the ball and I look forward to seeing him get smashed by the Bulls parasites! They’ll definitely stick to him and suck the life out of him!

His coach, Andy Friend was more diplomatic in assessing the challenge ahead. “The Bulls at Loftus presents a significant challenge for any side in the competition. There’s an appreciation within the side that we need to step up from where we finished last week and we’ve identified where we need to improve against a quality Bulls outfit” said Friend.

“We certainly need to be more physical in the contest and I think Rocky (Elsom) will help us achieve that. In saying that, Mitch (Chapman) was one of our hardest working forwards in the Force game but given Rocky’s returning from an injury, it made sense to put him straight into the game after the warm-up without giving him a chance to cool down on the bench” continued Friend.

I’m looking forward to a great clash and seeing blood. Brumbies blood. The Bulls are going to cause some serious damage to these okes!

The Bulls make their first appearance at fortress Loftus for the first time in 2010.

We haven’t been beaten at Loftus in 11 games, since the Hurricanes beat us in 2008. It’s a tough ask to win at Loftus, and it’ll be hard for the Brumbies on Saturday too.

In a late change, Springbok lock Danie Rousouw has been ruled out with a neck injury suffered at training, and Flip van der Merwe moves to the starting line-up with former SA under-21 lock Fudge Mabeta coming onto the bench.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has made two other changes from the side that won last week in Bloemfontein. Stephan Dippenaar (outside centre) gets a rare start with the injury to Jaco Pretorius Francois, whilst super utility Francois Hougaard (left wing) replaces John Mamesta after recent injury woes.

Both are young, products of the Western Cape (former Paul Roos students) and the future of the Bulls. Hougaard has a tough ask filling Bryan Habana’s shoes, whilst Dippenaar takes on Wallaby Stirling Mortlock in his biggest test to date.

“We’ve got confidence in Dippenaar. He’s a very talented player and we have all the confidence in his abilities. When he looks around he will see there are a lot of old heads around him to back him, so there is no reason for him not to make a difference on Saturday” said Bulls coach Ludeke.

“This is it for me. I have been waiting in the wings and now get the chance to stake a claim. The fact that I will be playing against Stirling Mortlock certainly makes it more special. He is one of the best there is and a fantastic way to measure where I am in my career” said an enthused Dippenaar.

Pedrie Wannenburg also has the honour of playing his 100th Super rugby game for the Bulls. Remarkably it will be the 86th consecutive game for the stalwart loose forward.

“To get to a situation like this you have to be a special player and have good mental capacity to handle the challenges of the game. The nice thing is that he still has other dreams to pursue” Ludeke said.

Wannenburg is a tireless workhorse and re-iterated what it meant to play so many games for such a great side.

“It’s an unbelievable privilege to get there and to pull a Bulls jersey over my head. I’m one of the few who have got there, but it is not something I’m focusing on this weekend. My focus is on doing what I can to help the team achieve its goal” said Wannenburg.

“There are a couple of games that stand out, obviously my first game for the Bulls. Then all the finals we played together as a team. Also the 92-3 over the Reds was excellent. There are a couple of games I can look back at and realise those are special moments in my career. As for the 100th game, it’s very difficult to say how this ranks, but it is definitely a milestone that you get to” continued Wannenburg.

The Bulls are primed and ready for a big showing. They’re rejuvenated after last season’s success, and last week showed they have the ability to be flexible in their approach, and create tries.

The Brumbies only arrived in Pretoria on Wednesday. It’s a tough ask to come to altitude and only have 3 days to prepare. Hopefully they’ll feel the effects in the second half!

The danger will be if the Brumbies retain possession for long periods, take the ball through the phases and wear the Bulls down. However with the best lineout in the competition, and a beefed up scrum, the Bulls victory should start with a dominant forward effort.

Morne Steyn will kick well, as will Stirling Mortlock, but it may be the Bulls back three who can win this game if they get good go forward from a great loose trio.

Go Bulle Go!

Vodacom Bulls:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. Gary Botha
3. Werner Kruger
4. Flip van der Merwe
5. Victor Matfield (c)
6. Deon Stegmaan
7. Pedrie Wannenburg
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Francois Hougaard
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Stephan Dippenaar
14. Gerhard van den Heever
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Bandise Maku
17. Bees Roux
18. Fudge Mabeta
19. Derick Kuün
20. Heini Adams
21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter
22. John Mametsa

Brumbies:

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Justin Harrison
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Rock Elsom
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Giteau
11. Francis Fainifo
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Pat McCabe
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper

16. Huia Edmonds
17. Guy Shepherdson
18. Ben Hand
19. Mitchell Chapman
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Matt Toomua
22. Tyrone Smith

Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)

Previous Super 14 results:

2006: Bulls 21, Brumbies 27 (Pretoria)
2007: Bulls 19, Brumbies 7 (Canberra)
2008:Bulls 28, Brumbies  17 (Pretoria)
2009: Bulls 31, Brumbies 32 (Canberra)

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Outside centre Jaco Pretorius is suffering from a knock to his quadricep and will be unable to play against the Brumbies on Saturday.

Pretorius was injured during the first round encounter with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday night, and had to leave the field. He suffered a haematoma as a result of a direct blow.

The Bulls team doctor Org Strauss told Supersport.com that there was heavy internal bleeding and the Bulls will not risk Pretorius as he is not 100%.

“There is a lot of bleeding inside the muscle and that will influence the recovery period. He will definitely not be playing this weekend. I’m not sure at this stage how long he will be out but we will monitor the bleeding on his leg on a daily basis” said Dr Strauss

Hooker Gary Botha and scrumhalf Fourie du Preez (bruised hip) were both replaced against the Cheetahs but have been declared fit for this weekend’s clash.

Francois Hougaard who was ruled out of the Cheetahs match on the eve  of kick-off has been pronounced fit and should be considered for selection this week. However flanker Dewald Potgieter is still recovering from his knee injuy and whilse he is back training with the side this week, will not be considered for selection.

“We will monitor his (Potgieter) progress, but I doubt that we will consider him to play this weekend” said Dr Strauss.

The Bulls team management acknowledged the stand out performance of Deon Stegmann at their post-match awards.

For a full report visit the Bulls website for the awards which take place after every match.

There were brilliant performances from many of the Bulls players who looked refreshed after a long season in 2009.

The Bulls often start fairly slowly, peaking towards the business end of the season, however in an ominous warning to their competition, they hit the ground running in the first week of the 2010 Super 14.

Deon Stegmann won the most number of awards from the first round clash against the Cheetahs, including exceptional effort, most cleans (20 in 80 minutes) and most tackles (16 in 80 minutes). However it was perhaps his tackle on Jongi Nokwe that was a try-saver at a critical period in the match that was the most important.

The biggest workrate went to fellow flank Pedrie Wannenburg. Victor Matfield made 18 cleans and Pierre Spies and Pedrie Wannenburg both made 11 tackles to complete a high work-rate from the Bulls loose-forwards and captain.

The best back was Wynand Olivier, who looked threatening with ball in hand and will be responsible for creating much of the Bulls backline moves.

Overall the side displayed plenty of positives. They adapted well to the new law interpretations (possibly the best out of all the sides), took the ball well through the phases and seemed to have turned last season’s weakness the scrum into a stable attacking platform.

4 Tries were scored directly from scrums, and in Pierre Spies they have an explosive weapon who can really utilise this platform to get the side moving forward.

Receiving the ball from kick-offs was a weakness, especially early on and lead to Lionel Mapoe’s try, but that’s an area the Bulls are usually so clinical at and I expect that to be rectified this weekend.

It all looks positive for the Bulls ahead of this weekend’s clash at Loftus with the Brumbies!

A nine try try fest between the Bulls and Cheetahs showed the new law interpretations will change the game this season.

Whilst I’m not convinced the law interpretation at the breakdown is good for the game, with attacking sides able to monopolise possession and the poor defending side struggling to get hold of the ball, the attitude from the Bulls and Cheetahs was awesome.

At the post match interview both Cheetahs captain Juan Smith and Bulls Captain Victor Matfield said how awesome the new law interpretations are for the fans and running the ball.

“Look, give the Cheetahs credit, they had a go at us tonight and they are a very good side who shouldn’t be written off easily. For us the bonus point away from home with the victory is unbelievable valuable”  said Bulls captain Matfield.

In 2008, the Bulls in particular did not want to adapt to the ELV’s and got left behind. South Africa has some amazing talent out wide, and with the right attitude we can embrace the law changes and make use of these talents.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske lamented the poor showing from his side, and was not pleased with his side’s effort.

“We didn’t tackle well tonight. Its unacceptable. We also let a few soft tries in and the guys slip the defensive line too easily. We will have to go back and work harder. Our one-on-one defence wasn’t good enough for three of the Bulls tries” said Drotske.

I felt the Cheetahs did not utilise their talent out wide enough. Lionel Mapoe and Jongi Nokwe look dangerous every time they got the ball, which was usually only from broken play. For the Cheetahs to succeed they’ll need to take more risks, and get their wingers into space.

The Bulls showed they have the players, the confidence and the right attitude to repeat last season’s success. With Morne Steyn ever dependable they have all the tools to keep the scoreboard flowing, and 50 points in their first encounter will give them great confidence.

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The Bulls beat the Cheetahs 51-34 in an action packed night in Bloemfontein.

The Cheetahs made the perfect start, a great chase to the kick-off from Jongi Nokwe resulting in the Cheetahs finding space out wide for speedster Lionel Mapoe. Nevermind I thought ref Jonathan Kaplan missed a blatant knock on from Nokwe.

This is a champion Bulls side however, and there is never any panic in the ranks. It was simply get the game plan going, hold the ball through a few phases and let the points accumulate.

The first half was reasonably even in the opening exchanges, with both sides carrying the ball through the phases well and looking to go wide once they had crossed the advantage line.

The Bulls produced some great backline touches, and worked the space beautifully for Jaco Pretorius to score his first try in Super rugby for the Bulls.

Jongi Nokwe then showed his awesome acceleration from a standing start, and it was only a brilliant desperate tackle from Deon Stegmann that prevented the try. It could have been a defining moment in the match.

Morne Steyn then stepped his way beautifully through the Cheetahs defence at the other end of the field and the Bulls had started to pull ahead.

At half-time the Bulls had a handy 23-14 lead.

A penalty just after half-time brought the Cheetahs within 6 points, before the Bulls blew the Cheetahs away with 2 magic tries.

First Wynand Olivier burst through some weak tackles to put Gerhard van den Heever away down the left flank, and then Danie Rousouw produced the deftest left footed chip kick to put Zane Kirchner away for a magical try. It shows the confidence and range of skills exhibited by the Bulls forwards and is a great sign for the remainder of the season.

To the Cheetahs credit however, they came back with two tries of their own to put the Bulls under great pressure. With the gap reduced to 6 again, it was anybody’s game.

The Bulls showed why they are defending champions as their composure and execution sealed the game quite comfortably in the final quarter.

This was not after one of the most dramatic moments on a rugby field however. The lights in Bloemfontein went out, resulting in a delay and the match being completed with semi-darkness on one side of the field.

In the end a 6 try to 3 victory was quite comprehensive, and the Bulls showed they will be a major force again this year. They are the first team to pick up the 4 try bonus point, and appear to have embraced the new law interpretations.

Interestingly the Cheetahs much vaunted scrum was made to look ordinary by the Bulls who have worked hard with Balie Swart in the off-season. The signs look great for the Bulls, and I expect the Cheetahs to get better, but they may still struggle to get many wins!

Cheetahs 34
Tries: Lionel Mapoe, Jongi Nokwe, Juan Smith
Coversions: Naas Olivier (2)
Penalties: Olivier (5)

Bulls 51
Tries: Jaco Pretorius, Morne Steyn, Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever, Wynand Olivier, Penalty Try
Conversions: Morne Steyn (5), Jacques-Louis Potgieter
Penalties: Steyn (3)

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A rematch of the Currie Cup final starts the Super 14 season in South Africa.

Whilst games between these sides are always tough and often close affairs, the Cheetahs have yet to beat the Bulls in Super 14 rugby.

The Bulls are the more experienced, battle hardened side. Gary Botha has the distinction of playing his 50th Super rugby game for the Bulls and experience such as that should see the Bulls get home.

There is no doubt the Cheetahs have a tough pack, and pace out on the wings. However it’s the lack of a general at flyhalf that may stop them getting the momentum they need. Riaan Viljoen should be able to use his long boot to drive the Bulls back into their own half, but this Bulls side has got all the ammunition it needs to play whatever style it needs to.

The Bulls may be slightly rusty after little match practice, and the Cheetahs best bet may be to start strong and try to mount the pressure on the defending champs.

In the end the match may come down to goal kicking, and in Morne Steyn the Bulls have a match winner, whilst Naas Olivier can have his off days.

John Mametsa is a late replacement for Francois Hougaard who couldn’t complete the captains run, but Mametsa can do the job and has a high work-rate.

I’m fairly confident of a Bulls victory, but in Bloemfontein, anything can happen!

Vodacom Bulls:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp
2. Gary Botha
3. Werner Kruger
4. Danie Rousouw
5. Victor Matfield (c)
6. Deon Stegmaan
7. Pedrie Wannenburg
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. John Mametsa
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Jaco Pretorius
14. Gerhard van den Heever
15. Zane Kirchner

16. Bandise Maku
17. Bees Roux
18. Flip vd Merwe
19. Derick Kuün
20. Heini Adams
21. Jacques-Louis Potgieter
22. Stephan Dippenaar

Vodacom Cheetahs:

1. Wian du Preez
2. Adriaan Strauss
3. WP Nel
4. Nico Breedt
5. David de Villiers
6. Heinrich Brussow
7. Juan Smith (c)
8. Ashley Johnson
9. Tewis de Bruyn
10. Naas Olivier
11. Jongi Nokwe
12. Meyer Bosman
13. Corne Uys
14. Lionel Mapoe
15. Riaan Viljoen

16. Ryno Barnes
17. Coenie Oosthuizen
18. Waltie Vermeulen
19. Frans Viljoen
20. Sarel Pretorius
21. Sias Ebersohn
22. Danwel Demas

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan

Previous Super 14 results:

2006: Bulls 30, Cheetahs 18 (Bloemfontein)
2007: Bulls 24, Cheetahs 20 (Pretoria)
2008:Bulls 60, Cheetahs 20 (Bloemfontein)
2009: Bulls 29, Cheetahs 20 (Pretoria)

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Fourie du Preez has added a 1 year extension to his Bulls contract.

du Preez’s contract was due to expire at the end of the 2010 Super 14, but du Preez has added a 1 year extension that sees him stay at Loftus until 2011. He was also announced as part of a group of players contracted by SA rugby for the Springboks 2011 Rugby World Cup title defence.

Last year the 27 year old du Preez revealed in an interview with SA rugby magazine that he had considered going overseas at the end of 2009. However I believe it has been the professionalism and structures shown by both the Bulls and Springboks, that has led to du Preez enjoying his rugby much more, and free to express himself. It’s no coincidence that saw a rejuvenated, dangerous du Preez who was the world’s star player in 2009.

du Preez also revealed he would not move to another South African franchise or province unless his mentor Heyneke Meyer was involved (this was prior to Meyer rejoining the Bulls).

Whilst he is likely to go overseas (I’d imagine only for a season or two as he loves Pretoria) and set himself up financially for life after the 2011 Rugby World Cup, South Africa and the Bulls have 2 more years to make use of his rugby genius. The emergence of Francois Hougaard to take his place may also have influenced the decision, as du Preez has stated he believe Hougaard will successfully take over his position in the future.

I’m looking forward to seeing some more amazing pieces of brilliance from the little scrumhalf, and I’m sure when he leaves South Africa he will firmly be ensconced as a legend of the game.

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The Bulls

Watch out! The defending champions are hungry for greater success in 2010!

After winning their first title in 2007, the Bulls performed poorly the following season. Don’t expect that to happen again. The presence of Victor Matfield and a desire within the squad to leave a legacy will likely see the Bulls lead the South African challenge.

The loss of Bryan Habana will be massive, especially at the beginning of the season, but the remaining squad losses are minimal.

In addition the Bulls have bolstered their front row ranks with Bees Roux and have a number of young props coming through.The return of Gary Botha gives great leadership and his presence alone will be invaluable.

Coach Frans Ludeke (together with Springbok legend Balie Swart) has ensured plenty of work will be done on the scrums, a weak point in 2009. Add to that the best lineout in the competition and a plethora of talent at lock and loose forward, and the early season losses of Bakkies Botha and Dewald Pogieter will be covered adequately.

There is now experienced cover (Jacques Louis-Potgieter) should Morne Steyn get injured or need a rest, and the same with regards to Fourie du Preez (Heini Adams and Francois Hougaard). Centre is where there is a lack of real class, but Wynand Olivier is always solid and there is a great opportunity for Jaco Pretorius, Stefan Watermeyer or Stephan Dippenaar to make a name for themselves.

On the wing Akona Ndungane will return after the first few weeks of competition,but Francois Hougaard or John Mametsa will not let the side down until his return. However it’s Gerhard van den Heever on the other wing who I believe will really make a name for himself this year. He has pace and confidence a plenty.

Zane Kirchner was brilliant last year and will only get better in 2010, and then you can throw in Jaco van der Westhuyzen and Francois Hougaard as super backs who can slot into most positions and really give this Bulls side added bite later in the game or when players need to be rested.

Whilst generally slow starters, if the Bulls can beat the Cheetahs away in Bloemfontein first up and win their next 4 games at fortress Loftus, they’ll be tough to beat once they gain rhythm, and the return of Bakkies Botha, Dewald Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Akona Ndungane.

Go Bulle Go!

Watch out for: Captain Colossus Victor Matfield, Scrumhalf extraordinaire Fourie du Preez, Superboot Morne Steyn, the pace of Gerhard van den Heever, but above all, Superman…Pierre Spies. He can do just about anything, and after a long break he’ll be raring to go and is my pick for player of the tournament!

Prediction: Final 4 (and hopefully winners!)

Juandre Kruger returns to the Bulls for the 2010 Currie Cup.

Kruger played for Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch and is a product of the Western Cape. However the 24 year old Kruger played 19 matches for the Blue Bulls in 2008, and is leaving Northampton Saints to return back to Loftus.

He will arrive in June 2010 and has been signed on a 3 year contract.

Kruger told the Bulls website how excited he is to be returning, and would not want to be playing for anyone else despite enjoying his stint with Northampton. “The coaching staff, the management team, the facilities and the whole culture at Loftus is every rugby player’s dream and I am very excited about my second spell with the Bulls” said Kruger.

“What I have experienced at the Bulls in 2008 is something that I do not want to exchange for anything. I would like to make a substantial contribution to the Bulls when I arrive in June and ultimately I want to represent South Africa” Kruger continued.

Whilst the Bulls boast the world’s premier lock pairing in Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, they are establishing real depth at lock with Kruger, Danie Rousouw, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Fudge Mabeta and Flip van der Merwe in the ranks.

The Bulls have the luxury of a plethora of talent, and it should allow Matfield and Botha the chance to enjoy some rest during the season, looking ahead to the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

For the Bulls it ensures there is plenty of competition and less likelihood of being disrupted by injuries. It also says a lot about the Bulls that so many top players want to come and play at Loftus and are prepared to share playing time to do so.

Defending Super 14 champions, the Bulls have been working hard on improving a weakpoint – their scrum.

Whilst the Bulls were superb in almost every department in 2009, their scrum (co-incidentally so too the Springbok scrum?) was an area they struggled in during both the Super 14 and Currie Cup.

A trait of true champions is the desire to self-reflect and desire to keep improving, no matter how good they might be. And that is where the Bulls greatest strength lies.

It is good to see Bulls coach Frans Ludeke working hard on improving the Bulls scrum, and unlike his predecessor Heyneke Meyer, work hard on defending the Super 14 title earned in 2009.

Ludeke had this to say “I think the importance of the scrum was shifted into the background, but that is definitely no longer the case. Fortunately we saw in November that the Bok scrum was under pressure and it was a timely wake-up before the World Cup next year. We are not blind to the problems we experienced at the Blue Bulls last year, but there’s no need to panic.”

“There will definitely be a lot of focus on the scrums, but we already started bringing in specialists like Balie Swart last year and this year will be no different. This facet of the game will be given all the importance that it deserves” said Ludeke

The Bulls have some exciting additions to this years Super 14 squad including the return of experienced hooker Gary Botha.

Fellow hooker Bandise Maku has experience with the Boks from the end of year tour, whilst ex-Cheetahs player Bees Roux gives extra stability at tighthead.

Also waiting in the wings at tighthead are Frik Kirsten, Dean Greyling and Rossouw de Klerk whilst the loosehead side will most likely be down to two experienced stalwarts in Jaco Engels and Gurthro Steenkamp.

If the Bulls can get a good scrum they will once again be tough to beat as they possess the best lineout in the world, and one of the deadliest sharpshooters in the game in Morne Steyn. With all the basics covered, there are very few weaknesses which a top side needs to have.