The 8th and last Article in the set discussing the Vodacom Bulls.

In this Article we look at the contenders for the BACK THREE (Wings & Fullbacks) in the Vodacom Bulls 2013 Super Rugby group, and what their worth will be in Super Rugby terms.

 

 

 

The Contenders:

 

Name: Bjorn Alberick (Bjorn) Basson:

Position Wing
Height 1.85
Weight 87kg
Date of Birth 11 February 1987
Place of Birth King William’s Town
Provincial Debut 2008 v Border Bulldogs
Provincial Caps 60
Provincial Points 250
Super Rugby Debut 2009 v Lions
Super Rugby Caps 42
Super Rugby Points 125
Test Debut 2010 v Wales
Test Caps 6
Test Points 0
Bjorn Basson

Whilst Bjorn usually plays on the left wing, he is a very able fullback.

Having cut his teeth at GWK Griquas and then went on to represent the Cheetahs at Super Rugby level, he decided to move to the Blue Bulls in 2011.

Bjorn represented the Emerging Springboks in 2009 and also played for the Royal XV against the British & Irish Lions.

At The Bulls he Has played Super Rugby, then gone on to represent the Springboks and also played for the Blue Bulls in the ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division.

We all know Bjorn to be a speed-freak and try scoring machine but if there is possibly one area where he needs to sharpen up is on defence.

Try-scoring comes easy for Basson, who topped the Super Rugby and Currie Cup logs in this regard for the Pretoria franchise in 2011. His pace, vision on attack and uncanny ability to contest in the air makes him one of the most dangerous wings in the competition and the Bulls will be looking to give their record-breaking finisher ample opportunity with the ball in hand.

Injury robbed Bjorn from piling up the tries in 2012 and also robbed him of Springbok duty late in the 2012 season. He will want to extend his magnificent try-scoring blitz in 2013.

 

Name: Johannes Jacobus (JJ) Engelbrecht:

Position Wing / Outside Centre
Height 1.90
Weight 95kg
Date of Birth 22 February 1989
Place of Birth Port Elizabeth
Provincial Debut 2009 v Elephants
Provincial Caps 35
Provincial Points 65
Super Rugby Debut 2012 v Sharks
Super Rugby Caps 17
Super Rugby Points 15
Test Debut 2012 v Argentina
Test Caps 1
Test Points 0
JJ Engelbrecht

A product of Grey School (Port Elizabeth), JJ Engelbrecht is rated as one of the most promising young talents in South Africa.

A classical wing who also did duty for the Bulls and Blue Bulls at outside centre, Engelbrecht is powerful with ball in hand and blessed with great speed. The former Eastern Province Craven Week and Under 19 star attended Stellenbosch University after school, playing for the famous Maties 1st XV, and was a member of the 2010 Western Province Currie Cup squad, having made his debut for the region in 2009. In 2011 He continued to represent DHL Western Province and the DHL Stormers.

Upon joining the Bulls for the 2012 season he was still just 22 years old. Engelbrecht has been unlucky with injuries early in his career but has excelled for the Bulls in 2012, earning him a call-up to the Springboks under Heyneke Meyer. He should play a big part for the Bulls in 2013.

In 2011 JJ was the Players Player of the Year at Western Province Rugby Union.

A Springbok call-up in 2012 indicated the impact this elusive outside back made in his first season of Super Rugby. Engelbrecht runs great lines on attack and is always a threat with ball in hand. He will be looking to improve on his test match cap tally this year and in order to do that, a consistent and high class contribution will be needed – and can be expected from the Eastern Cape born player.

Career:

  • 2007 – Eastern Province (Under 18 Coca-Cola Craven Week)
  • 2008 – Vodacom Western Province (ABSA Under 9 Competition)
  • 2009 – Western Province (Vodacom Cup), Maties (FNB Varsity Cup), Vodacom Western Province (British & Irish Lions Tour), Vodacom Western Province (ABSA Currie Cup Compulsary Friendlies), Vodacom Western Province (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Western Province (ABSA Under 21 Competition)
  • 2010 – Western Province (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Western Province (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Western Province (ABSA Under 21 Competition)
  • 2011 – DHL Western Province (Vodacom Cup), DHL Western Province (Super Rugby), DHL Western Province (ABSA Currie Cup Compulsary Friendlies), DHL Western Province (ABSa Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2012 – Vodacom Bulls (Super Rugby), Springboks (Castle Incoming Tours against England), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division), Springboks (The Rugby Championship)

 

Name: Akona Ndungane:

Position Wing
Height 1.83
Weight 93
Date of Birth 20 February 1981
Place of Birth Umtata
Provincial Debut 2003 v SWD (EP)
Provincial Caps 78
Provincial Points 215
Super Rugby Debut 2005 v Cats
Super Rugby Caps 84
Super Rugby Points 140
Test Debut 2006 v Australia
Test Caps 11
Test Points 5

Akona is the twin brother of fellow Springbok wing, Odwa Ndungane (who plies his trade at the Sharks), grew up in Umtata and attended Hudson Park Secondary School.

He represented the Elephants in 2002 and 2003, then the Border Bulldogs in 2004, before moving to the Blue Bulls where he has represented the Vodacom Bulls and Blue Bulls, before making his Springbok Test debut on 15 July 2006 against Australia in Brisbane, becoming Springbok Number 774.

Two serious leg breaks has hampered Akona in the last couple of years but towards the end of 2011 he seemed to be coming back into prime form.

Maybe not a fabulously spectacular wing anymore, Akona is as steady as they come, finishes well and his defence is exemplary.

A lot has happened to Ndungane since his debut all those years ago, but the veteran winger has showed great courage and determination to get back to this level of play. He will be looking to improve on his already impressive Super Rugby medal tally in 2013.

Akona owns 3 Super Rugby winners medals (2007, 2009, 2010) as well as a World Cup winners medal (2007).

Career:

  • 1999 – Border (Bankfin Under 21)
  • 2002 – Mighty Elephants (Bankfin Under 21)
  • 2003 – Mighty Elephants (Vodacom Shield), Mighty Elephants (ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Rounds), Mighty Elephants (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), Mighty Elephants (ABSA Reserve Division B)
  • 2004 – Bulldogs (Vodacom Cup), Bulldogs (ABSA Currie Cup First Division), South Africa A (South Africa A Outgoing Tour)
  • 2005 – Vodacom Bulls (Super 12), Border Bulldogs (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Rounds), Border Bulldogs (ABSA Currie Cup Qualifying Rounds), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2006 – Vodacom Bulls (Super 14), Springboks (Tri-Nations), Springboks (Outgoing Tours), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2007 – Vodacom Bulls (Super 14), Springboks (World Cup Warm-up’s), Springboks (Vodacom Incoming Tours), Springboks (Vodacom Tri-Nations), Springbok XV (Vodacom Outgoing Tour), Springboks (Vodacom Outgoing Tour), Springboks (IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 – winner)
  • 2008 – Vodacom Bulls (Super 14), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2009 – Bulls (MTN test), Vodacom Bulls (Super 14 – winner), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premer Division)
  • 2010 – Vodacom Bulls (Super 14 – winner), Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2011 – Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Bulls (Super Rugby), Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Compulsary Friendlies), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2012 – Vodacom Bulls (Super Rugby), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)

 

Name: Zane Kirchner:

Position Fullback
Height 1.85
Weight 96 kg
Date of Birth 16 June 1984
Place of Birth George
Provincial Debut 2003
Provincial Caps 101
Provincial Points 209
Super Rugby Debut 2008 v Stormers
Super Rugby Caps 71
Super Rugby Points 100
Test Debut 2009 v British & Irish Lions
Test Caps 24
Test Points 15
Zane Kirchner

Zane attended Kretzenhoop Primary School and PW Botha College in George.

Zane made his name at the GWK Griquas where he played between 2003 to 2007, whereafter he joined the Blue Bulls from 2008 till present. He became Springbok Number 804 when he made his Test debut for the Springboks against the British & Irish Lions on 4 July 2009. He is now a seasoned Springbok with Tours to France, Italy & England in 2009 and the British Isles & Ireland in 2010.

As one of the senior members in the squad, Kirchner will be an important cog in his side’s performances in 2013. The fullback, who was also capped at outside centre for the Springboks, needs to show all his attacking, defensive and tactical virtues, not only to provide guidance, but also to impress at national level where competition is stiffening up for the fullback position.

If one can critisize Zane it would be that he overuses the up-and-under kick from the back a bit too much, but one has to remember that this tactic was a large part of the Bulls game plan a few seasons ago… the so-called kick and chase… and apply pressure.

 

Name: Petrus Jürgen (Jürgen) Visser:

Position Fullback / Flyhalf
Height 1.91
Weight 92 kg
Date of Birth 13 September 1989
Place of Birth Paarl
Provincial Debut 2009 vs Elephants
Provincial Caps 22
Provincial Points 0
Super Rugby Debut
Super Rugby Caps 0
Super Rugby Points 0
Test Debut
Test Caps 0
Test Points 0
Jurgen Visser

Jürgen attended Vredendal Primary School and then attended Paarl Gymnasium where he matriculated in 2007. In his matric year he played for Western Province in the Coca-Cola Craven Week. In 2008 he played for Western Province in the Under 19 Competition and in 2010 he played for Western Province in the Under 21 Competition and for Maties in the FNB Varsity Cup.

Jürgen is currently studying Sports Management at Tukkies where he also went on to play in the FNB Varsity Cup in 2011, part of the Tukkies side who made it all the way to the Final.

In 2011 he finally got his chance to also play for the Blue Bulls in the ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division.

Super Rugby debutant Visser has steadily risen through the ranks at domestic level and should be successful in Super Rugby as well. A schoolboy and age group star at Western Province, Visser graduated into provincial rugby after showing real promise in the Varsity Cup competition, first with Maties and then Tuks. He headed north for more game time in 2011 where he forced his way into the Blue Bulls Currie Cup team.

In 2012 he still did not feature in Super Rugby but he certainly got more game time and developed in his role as fullback at the Blue Bulls.

Career:

  • 2007 – Western Province (Under 18 Coca-Cola Craven Week)
  • 2008 – Vodacom Western Province (ABSA Under 19 Competition)
  • 2009 – Vodacom Western Province (ABSA Currie Cup Compulsary Friendlies), Western Province (ABSA Under 21 Competition)
  • 2010 – Maties (FNB Varsity Cup), Western Province (Vodacom Cup)
  • 2011 – Tuks (FNB Varsity Cup), Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Compulsary Friendlies), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2012 – Vodacom Bulls (Super Rugby), Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)

 

Name: Clayton Blommetjies:

Position Fullback / Wing
Height 1.85
Weight 85 kg
Date of Birth 30 August 1990
Place of Birth Paarl
Provincial Debut 2012 v Griquas
Provincial Caps 6
Provincial Points 20
Super Rugby Debut
Super Rugby Caps 0
Super Rugby Points 0
Test Debut
Test Caps 0
Test Points 0
Clayton Blommetjies

Clayton attended Paarlzicht Primary School and New Orleans Secondary School where he represented Boland Under 16 at the Coca-Cola Craven Week in 2006, Boland Under 18 Coca-Cola Craven Week in 2007, and then Boland Under 18 Academy Week in 2008.

In 2009 to 2011 he represented Tuks in the Varsity Cup. In 2010 he represented the Blue Bulls in the Vodacom Cup and played for the Blue Bulls in the Under 21 Competition.

In 2011 he represented the Blue Bulls in the Vodacom Cup.

In 2012 he represented the Blue Bulls in the Vodacom Cup and made his Currie Cup debut in the opening match of the 2012 Currie Cup Premier Division against Griquas

The gutsy 21 year old player is solid on defence and under the high ball, very dangerous on attack and creates a number of chances for players on his outside when joining the line at speed.

He is decidedly light and small in modern rugby terms, but makes up for it in heart and determination.

Career:

  • 2006 – Boland (Under 16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week)
  • 2007 – Boland (Under 18 Coca-Cola Craven Week)
  • 2008 – Under 18 Elite Squad (Elite Squads), SA Schools Academy (SA Schools), Boland (Under 18 Academy Week)
  • 2009 – Tuks (FNB Varsity Cup), South Africa (IRB Junior World Championships), Blue Bulls (ABSA Under 21 Competition), SA Students (SA Students), Blue Bulls (ABSA Under 19 Competition)
  • 2010 – Tuks (FNB Varsity Cup), Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Compulsary Friendlies), Blue Bulls (ABSA Under 21 Competition)
  • 2011 – Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Blue Bulls (ABSA Under 21 Competition), Tuks (FNB Varsity Cup)
  • 2012 – Tuks (FNB Varsity Cup), Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), South Africa (HSBC Sevens World Series Glasgow & London), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)

 

Name: Sampie Mastriet:

Position Wing
Height 1.80
Weight 85 kg
Date of Birth 3 August 1990
Place of Birth Mariasdal
Provincial Debut 2012 v Free State Cheetahs
Provincial Caps 2
Provincial Points 5
Super Rugby Debut
Super Rugby Caps 0
Super Rugby Points 0
Test Debut
Test Caps 0
Test Points 0
Sampie Mastriet

Sampie attended Bonnievale Primary School and HTS Drostdy.

He represented Boland from Under 16 level through to Under 18 and Under 21 level from 2006 to 2008, before going to Pretoria to further his rugby career.

A serious speedster, Sampie is also a Sevens Blitzbok and has played for Tuks in the FNB Varsity Cup, Blue Bulls Under 21 in the Under 21 Competition as well as South Africa in the IRB Junior World Championship, all in 2009.

In 2010 he played for Tuks in the FNB Varsity Cup, the Blue Bulls in the Vodacom Cup and South Africa’s Blitzbokke in the IRB Sevens World Series.

In 2011 he played for the Blue Bulls in Vodacom Cup.

Despite limited opportunities in 2012, Mastriet continued his rich vein of try-scoring form for the men in blue by scoring a try in his ABSA Currie Cup debut in 2012. This after scoring 16 tries in 12 matches for the Blue Bulls Under 21 side the year before. A real finisher with great pace, the former SA Sevens and SA Under 20 player will be looking to make 2013 his breakthrough year.

Career:

  • 2006 – Boland (Under 16 Coca-Cola Grant Khomo Week)
  • 2007 – Boland (Under 18 Coca-Cola Craven Week)
  • 2008 – Boland (Under 21 Promotion / Relegation), Under 18 Elite Squad (Elite Squads), Boland (Under 18 Coca-Cola Craven Week), Boland (ABSA Under 21 Competition)
  • 2009 – Tuks (FNB Varsity Cup), South Africa (IRB Junior World Championships), Blue Bulls (ABSA Under 21 Competition), Blue Bulls (ABSA Under 19 Competition)
  • 2010 – Tuks (FNB Varsity Cup), Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), South Africa (IRB Junior World Championship), Blue Bulls (ABSA Under 21 Competition), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2011 – Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Compulsary Friendlies), Blue Bulls (ABSA Under 21 Competition), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)
  • 2012 – Vodacom Blue Bulls (Vodacom Cup), Vodacom Blue Bulls (ABSA Currie Cup Premier Division)

 

Additional Players:

A number of the Bulls players already discussed in other positions, like Francois Hougaard (who primarily will play scrumhalf), will also be used on the wing. So too possibly Wynand Olivier, who has represented the Springboks on the wing, apart from his regular berth at centre. As additional wing there is Travis Ismaiel.

Last year’s cover at fullback was a bit scrappy after Zane Kirchner but Jürgen Visser has come on in leaps and bounds and in Ulrich Beyers (discussed under the centres) and the young and dynamic Jesse Kriel the cupboard is suddenly very packed.

 

Starters:

I think it is logical to assume that Bjorn Basson (No 11), JJ Engelbrecht (No 14) and Zane Kirchner (No 15) are the most likely starters, but don’t discount old Akona Ndungane… the old horse is still reliable.

Francois Hougaard WILL help out on the wing too and Jürgen Visser should see more Super Rugby game time this year compared to last.

 

This was the LAST article in the range dealing with the Vodacom Bulls, all that is left to say is that the Bulls look a more complete and all-rounded side compared to 2012, where they still made the play-off’s.

33 Responses to Super Rugby: Bulls squad contenders – Back Three

  • 1

    I seriously mean nothing by it but does the Bulls not seem a bit thin on the Wings?

    FB I think they will be just fine, Although only 18 people must watch young Kriel, this kids the complete package at 15 and a very astute purchase by the Bulls.

  • 2

    1 @ Sharks_forever:
    What’s thin about 3 Springboks on the wings?

    In addition Blommetjies and Mastriet will threaten to break through in 2013.

    Akona is the same as his Sharks twin, ever reliable.

    Bjorn Basson, a try scorer of note and JJ Engelbrecht became a Springbok in 2012….

    Pull the other leg!

  • 3

    @ grootblousmile:
    Well I have seen most play and have not been that impressed, Agree re Ndugane and Basson, both though have been very injury prone.

    I ain’t pulling any legs, just my point of view

  • 4

    3 @ Sharks_forever:
    You forget, the Bulls still have Hougaard who will also be able to play wing… and Wynand Olivier has played for the Bokke on the wing too.

    So make that 5 Springboks to choose on the wing… still thin?

  • 5

    In fact, the Bulls will feature a starting side of 15 Springboks this year, with some Springbok bench options to boot

  • 6

    Well Hougaard to what’s been said is going to concentrate on 9, thus I did not consider him at wing

    Meisiekind is a center,

  • 7

    6 @ Sharks_forever:
    How many of the starting 15 are Springboks that the Sharks will field in their run-on side?

    Definately not hooker for now while Bissie is out, 2 non Bok locks, a non Bok Scrummie, 1 non Bok outside centre (might become one in 2013) and a non Bok at fullback. I count 6 out of 15.

    Go do the same at the Stormers and Cheetahs, to not even talk about the Kings.

  • 8

    6 @ Sharks_forever:
    Meisiekind is a centre alright, but he’s played for the Springboks at centre AND at wing.

    Hougie will play scrummie, primarily but when Jano Vermaak comes on as a sub, he might just shift to Left wing again….. if needed.

  • 9

    Here Bulls don’t have the players that Sharks, Cheetahs and Stormers do. Bulls are weaker here I feel.

  • 10

    @ GBS,
    15 Springboks, not a bad at all. But wait, how many of those numbskulls would have gotten Bok blazers if “Hou by die blou” Meyer wasn’t bok coach?

    Werner Kruger and Dean Greyling certainly didn’t do their selections any credit. The human torpedo Potgieter is a debatable selection as well.

    Basson only 6 caps, but never really nailed it down. Engelbrecht 1 dubious cap.

    Stats can be so useful hey Delicious

    Cheetahs starting boks: Coenie, Strauss, Brüssow, Smith, and Goosen!

    Will take those boks rather than some of your wannabee boks, like Greyling, Kruger and Potgieter. Wink

  • 11

    7 @ grootblousmile:
    Who cares if we field Boks or not gbs. Some should have been selected but never got a call up. Rather look at the player and how good he is. NOT every player will be selected as Boks the coach also have his favourites so some get left out. So it really goes for nothing. It depends how well that player plays for his team with THEIR game plan that counts.

  • 12

    10 @ Cheetah4eva:
    Sure, that’s your prerogative.

    Snorrie selected Kruger already, same with Greyling.

    Bulls have 5 Springbok loosies, not even sure Jacques Potgieter will always start…. watch Arno make it big this year, he’s now already toured with the Bokke.

    If ANYTHING, Heyneke Meyer has had anything but “Hou by die Blou” on the brain in 2012.

    So, the Cheetahs have 5 Bokke total….. mmmmm

    So what makes the Cheetahs wings better… one possible future Bok in Rhule? Come on…. be serious!

  • 13

    10 @ Cheetah4eva:
    hahahaha. We were thinking the same at the same time……. Well said boet…. Happy-Grin

  • 14

    11 @ Puma:
    Just as easy to say the Bulls don’t have depth at wing, like some of you do here… with nothing to back it back-up, yet when analized deeper, they can choose any of 5 Springboks on the wing.

    Take those Black-tinted glasses off and get real.

  • 15

    14 @ grootblousmile:

    Who cares if they are Springboks or not gbs, some of us don’t rate some players as Boks that the coach has selected. Anyhow it is how well players play with their team’s game plan that counts. Who fits it and who does not. Forget about Boks right now we not playing their game plan, well Bulls might!

    I think Sharks, Stormers and Cheetahs have better wings. MY opinion and I think I am right…….. Be Happy

  • 16

    I am with Puma on this one.

    Greyling is a bok, but Beast, Kitshoff and Coenie are all better players.

    Chillip is a bok, but he is behind Bismarck and Strauss at the moment.

    Kruger is a bok, but Jannie, Cilliers, and Malherbe are prob ahead of him now.

    Flip is a bok, but understudy to Etzebeth, and he will have to produce this year to stay ahead of some up and coming young locks.

    Kruger, is the incumbent, whilst Bekker was out, but even here the competition will be stiff.

    Stegmann, and Potties are boks, but no where near Brüssow, and when last did Stegmann play?

    Thorpedo Potgieter is a bok, but a daft one at that. Alberts, Coetzee, and Smith would leave him in their dust.

    Britney is a poster boy bok, but Vermeulen should have been there long ago, and even the Hoff is more physical.

    Hougaard, will have to up the ante to keep van Zyl, Reinach and Sarel at bay.

    Steyn has already been usurped by, Goosen, Lambie and Jantjies

    Meisiekind (bok) but unlikely to oust Frans Steyn or de Villiers.

    Engelbrecht is a bok, but I can’t see him making any position his own soon. At 13 Mapoe and Serfontein will oust him. At wing he will be far behind too.

    Ndugane is a bok, and solid as a rock, but is unlikely to ever play a test again.

    Kirchner is bok incumbent.

    So what is the relevance, as Puma said of having 15 Boks, if only 5 or six are currently in the mix?

  • 17

    14 @ grootblousmile:
    re the Sharks supporters. There are none so blind as those that will not see.

  • 18

    16 @ Cheetah4eva:
    Surely the arguement here goes to the DEPTH of the squad, not the “current” SA squad.

    The Bulls have 15 starting National Players, which other province does?

  • 19

    16 @ Cheetah4eva:
    OK, using YOUR same argument here….

    Coenie is injury prone, neck operation and all, Brussow is an injury machine at present, so is Juan Smith (if he ever shapes again), Goosen and long-term injuries seem to go hand in hand, 2 long term ones in 2012 alone.

    Adriaan Strauss is a meneer… a real Bok.

    Now let’s look at the rest of your squad…. 2 sub-standard locks, Sarel who is a liability on defence and a wannabe Scrummie in Van Zyl. Sadie the never-never man, Robert Ebersohn who is just not good enough to make the Bokke, Willie le Roux who can attack but can’t defend and some wannabees at fullback….

  • 20

    19 @ grootblousmile:
    And your well made point is that holes can be picked in any player / team / combination if one looks hard enough.

  • 21

    I predict the LIons to be undefeated in all SANZAR competitions until at least the end of April this year! Approve

  • 22

    20 @ Scrumdown:
    Exactly…. they have to wake up and smell the roses.

    With all the National players to the disposal of the Bulls it does not automatically imply they will all shape, in fact I think the Bulls will just-just make the play-off’s but not go on to play in the final or win the competition.

    At least as somewhat of an outsider to the Super Rugby comp, you are able to be objective in your summary.

  • 23

    16 @ Cheetah4eva:
    Good post again boet.

    Hougaard is s fine player but he will have to play out of this socks to compete with Van Zyl, Reinach, Sarel and Groom. All those scrummies will be pushing for a Bok jersey.

  • 24

    21 @ Scrumdown:
    I hope the Lions have a kick-ass year!

  • 25

    23 @ Puma:
    Sarel was a failure at the Tahs, plain and simple.
    Reinach has potential, and that’s about it, so too Van Zyl and Groom.

    The 4 of them have proved nothing yet and they will have to play to lift Hougie and Jano Vermaak from where they have now already been.

    At the start of a season all these if’s and but’s are pure conjecture, the proof of the pudding is in laying it down in Super Rugby itself!

    There’s a wide gap between Currie Cup and Super Rugby… and an even greater devide between Currie Cup and National honours. Who can step up?

  • 26

    OK, whilst you all ponder the errors of your ways, I’m off, the tills MUST roll!

  • 27

    19 @ GBS,
    Brüssow played every match of last years S15, and got injured in the CC. That is like 20 matches on the trott, doesn’t sound injury prone to me. Guess, it’s because he is such a quality player, that you missed him so!

    Jip Bulls have 5 Bok Loosies, and Arno Botha is the best of them. Whilst in your euphoric state re the Bok blazers in the Bulls team, remember even Jorrie Muller has one Happy-Grin

    Bulls also had almost the same number of boks last year, funny that didn’t seem to get them into the playoffs!

    Having so many boks is no guarantee of success.

    Sarel was a failure at the Tahs, but he was greased lightning with the Cheetahs. Sadie was good at WP, hopeless at the Bulls. Does that make him hopeless, or did just not fit in?

    Pretty rich calling Brüssow a injury machine! When last did Stegmann play? Ditto Dewald Potgieter?

    In fact, the Bulls may well be better served playing Adendorff at 6, Arno Botha at 8, and heck rather play Serfontein at 7, rather than dowwe Daantjie Potgieter!!

  • 28

    27 @ Cheetah4eva:
    How many injuries has Brussow had in 2 years now?

    He was injured in 2012, so was’nt picked for the Bokke at all in 2012, having too short a return to the playing field and not enough time to be judged.

    You moan about the Bulls Bok blazers (18 of them in total) in stead of concentrating on the lack of Bok quality players, blazers or not, in the Staat side.

    Bulls are considerably better off than before last Super Rugby season… and still they DID MAKE the play-off’s in 2012, ending 1 position higher than the Sharks (who went all the way to the Final).

    We have more Bokke, more experience and the bench will be loaded with Bok blazers and Junior Bok blazers in 2013…. now personally I am extatic at those FACTS!

    I said above, if you cared to read properly, that the amount of Bok blazers is no guarantee for Bulls success in 2013, in fact I went further and said I expect them to make the play-off’s again but not to reach the Final.

    At the same token I expect the Cheetahs not to even make the Play-off’s and end 4th in the SA Conference.

    Sarel will have to show his mettle in Super Rugby and will have to improve his defensive frailties at this higher stage compared to Currie Cup. Sadie, well good luck, there’s another injury waiting to happen.

    The young Bulls loosies you mentioned, Adendorf and Arno Botha, will be pushing for spots, keeping the Springbok Bulls loosies on their toes, whereas the Cheetahs really only have a hope that their star loosies will hold up and not break down again. However you put it, THAT is the gist of it!

    … and that still does nothing for theCheetahs Back Three, who consists of one future Bok, one hopefull of becoming a future Bok and some wannabee’s.

    I know you want to think the Cheetahs is the best thing since sliced bread, but you have to be objective and see the shit from the straw. So, colour it as rosy as you want to, but be real!

  • 29

    27 @ Cheetah4eva:Geez hey the Bools get really sensitive when you softly poke fun at or criticize one of their players.
    The Sharks supporters can at least take a bit of trolling without getting their defensive lines up and running.

  • 30

    29 @ Loosehead,
    Lol, I tell you it is bleeding scary! Cry

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