After an aging side failed to the defend the Super Rugby title last year, the Bulls have entered a rebuilding phase that is unlikely to bring any silverware in the immediate future.
Last year:
Having been crowned champions in three of the previous four years, expectations were always going to be high in Pretoria at the start of the season. Needless to say, seventh place in the overall standings and third place in the South African conference was met with disapproval from the Loftus Versfeld faithful.
Surprise losses to the Western Force and the Highlanders were hard enough to swallow but being nilled by arch-rivals the Crusaders hurt the Bulls’ pride. Victor Matfield’s team made a late surge, stringing six consecutive wins together but it proved too little too late as they missed the play-offs by a single spot after losing to the Sharks on the last day of regular matches.
2011 marked the end of a era and the Bulls bid farewell to Bakkies Botha, Gary Botha, Fourie du Preez, Derick Kuün, Victor Matfield, Jaco Pretorius, Danie Roussouw, Gurthrö Steenkamp and Gerhard van der Heever…
This year:
The departure of no less than nine Springboks has the removed the core of the Bulls’ championship-winning side and started a new cycle. A handful of promising youngsters have come aboard – including JJ Engelbrecht and Johann Sadie, who arrive from Cape Town – but no amount of talent could possibly replace the vast experience lost.
That said, one should not underestimate the resources at the Bulls disposal, nor the winning culture instilled by the previous generation. Indeed, while Matfield will no longer be calling the shots on the field, his appointment as a coaching consultant means he will continue to have an input.
The loss of Heyneke Meyer to the national side is unlikely to change much in terms of the senior side but it remains to be seen what impact his departure has on the legendary Bulls production line of talent.
If you haven’t seen their new away kit, have a look at our Facebook page, but remember to wear your sunglasses!
Key players:
Few teams in the world could cope with the exit of so many top-class players but the Bulls are fortunate to have the likes of Francois Hougaard to step into the breach.
Much-criticised for his performances last year, Springbok number eight Pierre Spies has one of the most important seasons of his career ahead of him as he takes over the captaincy. He should he aided in the leadership role by Chiliboy Ralepelle, who will relish the prospect of being a regular starter.
Of course, points machine Morne Steyn will be key in the Bulls game-plan while Flip Van Der Merwe has the unenviable task of replacing Matfield as the line-out kingpin. Keep an eye out for 22-year-old Kenyan utility forward Daniel Adongo, who arrived from the Sharks academy and is a physical monster.
Prospects:
Loftus will always be a incredibly hard place to visit but it would be unfair and unrealistic to expect the Bulls to win a fourth title. The draw has been kind though as they will spend the first ten weeks of the competition in South Africa. If they can build up a head of steam, a place in the play-offs is on the cards.
As always, the summit will be their target but they are likely to be confined to a place in mid-table.
This is the view of TeamTalk Media, Article from PR
Fixtures:
Feb 24: v Sharks, home
Mar 3: v Cheetahs, away
Mar 10: v Blues, home
Week 4: Bye
Mar 24: v Reds, home
Mar 31: v Stormers, away
Apr 7: v Crusaders, home
Apr 14: v Lions, away
Apr 21: v Brumbies, home
Week 10: Bye
May 4: v Rebels, away
May 11: v Waratahs, away
May 19: v Highlanders, away
May 25: v Chiefs, away
Jun 2 v : Stormers, home
Jun 30: v Cheetahs, home
Jul 6: v Sharks, away
Jul 14: v Lions, home
Jan de Konings Preview
To the outside world it is a period of transition in the Bulls’ Kraal. However, at Loftus Versfeld they truly believe they can win a fourth Super Rugby crown.
Having lost a host of senior players, including six World Cup winners, most pundits believe the Bulls will struggle to repeat their successful run from 2007 to 2010, when they won three Super Rugby crowns.
Players who have left include Bakkies Botha (to Toulon), Gary Botha (Toulouse), Stephan Dippenaar (SA Sevens team), Fourie du Preez (Suntory Sungoliath in Japan), Derick Kuün (retired), Victor Matfield (retired), Jaco Pretorius (retired), Danie Rossouw (Suntory Sungoliath), Bees Roux (Bordeaux Bègles), Gurthrö Steenkamp (Toulouse), Gerhard van den Heever (Stormers) and Stefan Watermeyer (Ospreys).
Their list of acquisitions can mostly be put under the ‘youthful and full of potential’ category, when compared to those who departed.
Those who joined the Bulls for the 2012 Super Rugby season include Lionel Cronjé (from Stormers), JJ Engelbrecht (Stormers), Jacques Potgieter (EP Kings), Johann Sadie (Stormers), Wilhelm Steenkamp (Cheetahs), Dawie Steyn (Pumas), Jano Vermaak (Lions), Willie Wepener (Clermont) and Daniel Adongo (Sharks).
The established players, with Super Rugby experience, in the latter group include Steenkamp, Vermaak and Wepener.
However, seasoned second row forward Juandré Kruger – who returned to the Bulls in 2010, after a two-year stint with Northampton Saints in England – is adamant the Bulls will not be also-rans in 2012.
After kicking his heels during Super Rugby in 2011, Kruger is one of several Bulls players determined to make the most of his opportunities after the departure of so many veterans.
The athletic lock forward, who impressed in Currie Cup with his ball carrying ability and line-out play, spoke of the “hard work” put in by the Bulls in pre-season and their determination to do well this year.
“Our motto is ‘all or nothing’ here at the Bulls,” he told this website, in an exclusive interview ahead of their season opener against the Sharks in Pretoria on Friday.
“We have been putting it all into training and the last two weekends [against the Kings, a 16-12 win, and Cheetahs, a 39-16 triumph] we started putting that into practice in the matches.”
He added that they feel that if they achieve success as a team, it will be to the benefit of the individuals.
“Our futures are in each other’s hands.”
He said the Bulls will never accept mediocrity.
“Rugby is like everything else in life, you want to achieve the highest honour,” he told this website, adding: “If you are happy to just be average you are wasting your time.
“However, if you search for and work towards perfection every day, work hard towards your goals, you will achieve the highest accolades.”
He admitted that it is one of his goals to be a Springbok one day, but his focus at present is on the Bulls.
“If we do well, together, as a Super Rugby team and achieve success it will be to the benefit of the individuals.”
The Bulls, with an impressive pre-season win over the Cheetahs, put down an early marker, but Kruger felt there is a long way to go yet.
“I had a long chat with Victor [Matfield] about, and we did have a good start [to the pre-season] and that is now our benchmark,” the 26-year-old second row forward said.
“However, we now have to work harder than ever before and raise the bar week-after-week.
“I feel we are very well prepared, we have worked very hard up till now. We also have the right coaches and the right structures in place here at the Bulls. All that contributes to self-confidence in the team – so there are no excuses not to do well.
“However, we have to remain humble, despite the good pre-season, but through hard work we can achieve our goals.”
By Jan de Koning
The latest on the Potty Potgieter saga – With so many rumours abounding about what happened to him, Potgieter spoke about what really happened on Saturday night at the wedding reception.
“It was really a freak accident, we were at the wedding and it was being held at a primary school hall,” Potgieter explained, “I was in the bathroom and I heard someone fall and then heard what I thought was Jacques’ (Potgieter, Bulls flank) voice.
“I tried to open the window, but it was jammed. It was a small steel window and it looked as if the frame had been painted over, but it could be opened.”
The next move was probably not his best, Potgieter says.
“I put my hand up against the pane of glass and tried to push it and it went right through,” he adds, “It happened so fast, I didn’t even see it coming. I felt nothing and then when I pulled my arm out there was a lot of blood.”
Potgieter was rushed to hospital where he underwent an operation that lasted more than three hours. He was asked to stay overnight in the hospital being released on Monday, and will head back to Pretoria on Tuesday to rejoin the team.
“The doctor did a great job in repairing the tendons that were damaged and it looks like no lasting damage was done. I’m just a bit frustrated because I was looking forward to playing on Friday.” (Supersport)
Some of the big names on the injury list at the moment
Bulls – Wynand Olivier, Dewald Potgieter
Cheetahs – Juan Smith
Sharks – Beast Mtawarira, Julian Redelinghuys, Willem Alberts, Jean Deysel
Waratahs – Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell, Dan Vickerman, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes
Crusaders – Dan Carter, Richie McCaw
Reds – Quade Cooper
Stormers – Tiaan Liebenberg
Add yours!!!
3@ Just For Kicks:
Sounds more like he pissed and angry and punched the window.
Lions: CJ and Bandise Maku
3 @ Just For Kicks:
Here’s a bit more of the big names injured:
Bulls – Wynand Olivier, Dewald Potgieter, Rossouw de Klerk
Cheetahs – Juan Smith, Coenie Oosthuizen
Sharks – Beast Mtawarira, Julian Redelinghuys, Willem Alberts, Jean Deysel
Waratahs – Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell, Dan Vickerman, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes
Crusaders – Dan Carter, Richie McCaw
Reds – Quade Cooper
Stormers – Tiaan Liebenberg, Juan de Jongh (almost ready), Dewaldt Duvenage (almost ready)
Lions – Bandise Maku, CJ van der Linde
4 @ Loosehead:
Assumption is the mother of all farkups.
…. and you’re grabbing at straws to discredit a Bull here.
7@ grootblousmile:
Bliksem donner, it wouldn’t be the first time that someone got pissed at a wedding and broke a window.
Isn’t Deon Fourie (stormers also out injured??
Bulls – Wynand Olivier, Dewald Potgieter, Rossouw de Klerk, Toffie Mabeta
Cheetahs – Juan Smith, Coenie Oosthuizen
Sharks – Beast Mtawarira, Julian Redelinghuys, Willem Alberts, Jean Deysel
Waratahs – Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell, Dan Vickerman, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes
Crusaders – Dan Carter, Richie McCaw
Reds – Quade Cooper
Stormers – Tiaan Liebenberg, Juan de Jongh (almost ready), Dewaldt Duvenage (almost ready)Deon Fourie
Lions – Bandise Maku, CJ van der Linde, Stepan Greeff
Oooops my bad!! I only saw after posting that the list is for big name players! ok, I humbly withdraw Deon Fourie, Wyanand Olivier, Dewaldt “Smash & grab” Potgieter, Toffie Mabeta, Rossouw de Klerk, Beast, Redelinghuis, Alberts, Pleisters, Liebenberg, Juan de jongh, Duvenhage, Maku, CJ, and Greeff lol.
Ok, so it’s just Coenie (almost ready) and Juan (maybe this year)
for them Bulle fan I think this year is going to be a very long one!!!
For the Cheetahs last years point scoring machine is with the tahs!
Lions will be competitive in RSA…thats about it!!!
Sharks will down a couple of foreigners to make it to the super six to be done in by the stormers for a semi berth!
Stormers super six as well but advance to the semis.
The list is growing (note to self: ignore Cheetah4eva’s comment)
Bulls – Wynand Olivier, Dewald Potgieter, Rossouw de Klerk, Toffie Mabeta
Cheetahs – Juan Smith, Coenie Oosthuizen
Sharks – Beast Mtawarira, Julian Redelinghuys, Willem Alberts, Jean Deysel
Waratahs – Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell, Dan Vickerman, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes
Crusaders – Dan Carter, Richie McCaw
Reds – Quade Cooper
Stormers – Juan de Jongh (almost ready), Dewaldt Duvenage (almost ready)Deon Fourie, Elstadt, Nick Koster,
Lions – Bandise Maku, CJ van der Linde, Stepan Greeff
11 @ Wallabie.:
Walla,
That’s what you’re hoping for… now come out with the truth, how do you see the Australian sides faring in Super Rugby, this year?
To my mind the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels will again be also-rans… the Brumbies might improve slightly… and the Waratahs will be OK-ish but not great.
The Reds… can they string 2 GREAT seasons together, one after the other? Certainly not much player disruption there.
@ JFK #12
Somebody hi Jack your sense of humour?
Lol, just feeling the anticipation building for Friday, and RT is way too quite, so I am out to start a bunfight! Spoil sport!
@ GBS
Wallabie conference does seem a tad easier to predict. reds are resounding favourites, tahs battling with injuries before hostilities have even commenced. Brumbies maybe the major mover in the group. Rebels and Western Force, still don’t inspire confidence. Will be interesting to hear walla’s opinion
14@ Cheetah4eva:Not at all, mine was a joke too, thought you’d see the tongue in cheek!!! Agree RT is way too quiet, but from my side, thats just because I am quietly confident!!! (thats a joke too!)
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