The Blue Bulls thread

[Sparty]

they will get crushed next season

Sadly they being crushed this season !

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

It's weird to see that happening now because not much has changed since last year. They added Basson, who is a top class winger and the others got a year older

 

[benstof]

Winds of change in SA rugby.

I had more hopes for Stegman, but it looks like he can't help giving away so many penalties. He should have worked on it by now. Then I agree with the fact that they all just got a year older except for Basson. I'm convinced though that it won't be possible to overlook Hougaard anymore. Looking back at last years Tri Nations when he was given the opportunity, he made the best of it. There will always be a place in our hearts for the older guys but let the young once win the game for us and then we can all celebrate. As for experience, its a very fine line. Most players get the experience they need from a few games. It does not take 50 tests. Only a few experienced players are needed to carry a team to victory in my opinion.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

When it comes to the Springboks after the RWC, it will be difficult to see who will replace Bakkies, Matfield, du Preez and Steenkamp. Mtawarira will be the obvious new option for Loosehead prop. Flip van der Merwe and Andries Bekker will be the new locks but who will be the new scrumhalf? Will it be Ruan Pienaar? Will it be Hougaard or maybe a new star on the horizon with Sarel Pretorius or Dewald Duvenhage?

 

[Draggs]

Flip van der Merwe and Andries Bekker will be the new locks but who will be the new scrumhalf? Will it be Ruan Pienaar? Will it be Hougaard or maybe a new star on the horizon with Sarel Pretorius or Dewald Duvenhage?

Ricky boy of course.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

You sound like Helium de Villiers man. Why not pick Andre Pretorius or Butch James as fly half? Luke Watson at 8. Haha, that would be a horrible Bok-squad

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Ezequiel.

I actually think the Bulls will be more competitive next year with talented young players looking to impress than this year carrying dead weight. Don't get me wrong, I think these players are brilliant and Steenkamp and Du Preez still the best in SA but the rest, especially Bakkies, are liabilities.

As for who will take over, apart from the ones you mentioned, there is Juandre Kruger who will probably be partnering Van der Merwe at lock if Rossouw also moves on, otherwise it will be Van der Merwe and Rossouw with Kruger on the bench or Mabeta if they need a line-out specialist. The Bulls have ample cover and some of that cover already have test experience (Hougaard, Van der Merwe, Ralepele).

 

[Draggs]

You sound like Helium de Villiers man. Why not pick Andre Pretorius or Butch James as fly half? Luke Watson at 8. Haha, that would be a horrible Bok-squad

Morné at outside half, JdV on the wing.
It just makes sense.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Danie Rossouw is a good option but the reason I did not mention him is because I expect him to move on as well. He has been on the bench waiting for a chance while I think he is not less talented than for instance Spies, Bakkies of Stegmann. He would be the perfect captain next year though.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

You sound like Helium de Villiers man. Why not pick Andre Pretorius or Butch James as fly half? Luke Watson at 8. Haha, that would be a horrible Bok-squad

Jokes aside, Watson would be a better shout than Spies atm!

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Well, thanks but we have a bunch of better options than Watson in Kankowski, Alberts, Daniel, Duvenhage and Rossouw, who have all shown their class at 8.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Well, thanks but we have a bunch of better options than Watson in Kankowski, Alberts, Daniel, Duvenhage and Rossouw, who have all shown their class at 8.

Vermeulen although I agree Duvenhage has the heart to play 8. Last 9 I heard of that also played 8 was Doc Craven.

For me the pick is between Alberts and Rossouw although no-one is getting fooled here. Spies we will have have for RWC and lets hope he doesn't fall off of too many tackles.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Sorry, wanted to say Vermeulen. Was typing a message right before hand which was all about Duvenhage, my mistake

 

[SpanishBob]

Steenkamp is the heaviest loss

Du Preez and Bakkies have their minds already in Japan and France, and their performances this year are being poor.

I agree with those who think the Bulls will be stronger next year without those players.

 

[Cassie]

It could have gone either way, many said the "Old" Bulls players will play better this year seeing though it is their last year playing for the Bulls. As we have seen they actually played horrible and now they are at a stage that their positions in springbok key positions are at fire. Seems like they have not silenced any critics as off yet, remembering that the tournament is still quite long and we are on halfway right now. I have to agree that the team will be better next year but I can also see them taking some time as they have to rebuild and get accustomed to the structures with each other.
<O</O

That said we can only hold thumbs that the guys will start playing better and set their flyers in the corners of the whitewash. Basson is really impressive in the air but I know if they can let those guys get better ball then they will be more solid on attack, and more tries will be scored.<O</O