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!)