BULLS

Tuesday 30th January 2007

Not too much changes in terms of a game plan up in Pretoria, and their supporters will undoubtedly be very quick to remind us that they've managed two semi-final berths in the past two years.

So can we expect anything new? Perhaps, with new backline coach Todd Louden working on the players ball skills, we may in fact see at least four passes from JP Nel in this years competition, but we shall not hold our collective breaths.

Jokes aside, they will be strong contenders for a home semi-final, and with a dominant pack and the creative ability of Wynand Olivier at inside centre may stand a chance of going one step further this year.

The Bulls have also made some interesting off-season signings, with former captain Anton Leonard coming out of retirement and former Lions captain Wikus van Heerden also joining up with the Pretoria outfit.

Strengths: An awesome pack of forwards, one that can really dominate and destroy opponents. Some great game-breakers and heaps of patience. They often take the game away from the opposition only in the last 10 or 15 minutes. At home they are almost unbeatable.

Weakness: Some would say they are one-dimensional and easily to counter. They also tend to be poor travellers.

Noteworthy signings: Anton Leonard (out of retirement), Jaco van der Westhuyzen (from Japan), Wayne Julies (from the Lions), Wikus Van Heerden (from the Lions)

Noteworthy losses: Jacques Cronjé (to the Lions)

Coach: Heyneke Meyer is one of those enthusiastic coaches that you just know will do well. The amount of energy he projects must infect his team. And he has a proven track record as well.

Captain: Victor Matfield impressed in his first year as captain (in 2006), after taking over from stalwart Anton Leonard. Having been rested from the Springboks' year-end tour this charismatic character will be full of energy.

Player(s) to watch: Victor Matfield is rated as one of the premier locks in the world, so much so that most people make him an automatic choice in their World XV. The return of Anton Leonard and the signing of Wikus van Heerden will ensure they have plenty of experience.

2006 Position: 4th (beaten semi-finalists)
Best finish: 3rd - 1996 (as the Blue Bulls) and 2005 as the Bulls
Worst finish: 12th (2002, 2001, 1999)
Home Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (Capacity 50,000)

2007 Prediction: They are serious challengers for the play-offs again. With a bit of luck they can go all the way. Top 4

Bulls squad: Heini Adams, Gary Botha, Marius Delport, Tim Dlulane, Fourie du Preez, Jaco Engels, Adriaan Fondse, Bryan Habana, Derick Hougaard, Wayne Julies, Anton Leonard, Hilton Lobberts, John Mametsa, Victor Matfield, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Johan Roets, Danie Rossouw, Wessel Roux, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Morné Steyn, Danie Thiart, Wikus van Heerden, Francois van Schouwenburg, Pedrie Wannenburg, Frikkie Welsh. Also Stefan Basson (Springbok Sevens) and Danwel Demas (injured)

Schedule:
3 February: v Sharks, away
10 February: v Cheetahs, home
16 February: v Western Force, home
24 February: v Chiefs, home
3 March: v Brumbies, away
10 March: v Waratahs, away
17 March: v Crusaders, away
24 March: v Highlanders, away
31 March: v Hurricanes, away
6/7/8 April: BYE
14 April: v Stormers, home
21 April: v Lions, away
27 April: v Blues, home
5 May: v Reds, home

By James White