BULLS 2008

Bulls

The Bulls exude confidence at the moment and so they should. They are, after all, the Super 14 champions. They seem to be unperturbed by the absence of several senior players, who have either retired or left for greener pastures.

Nor are they fazed by the spate of injuries that have hampered their pre-season preparations, as they have recruited good players over the years and have created considerable depth within the squad.

The Pretoria-based franchise is in a time of transition this year, with new coaching staff, which invariably means that some new ideas will come to the fore.

However, we honestly can't foresee the Bulls changing their forward-dominated and structured brand of rugby too much, but maybe, just maybe we will see a backline that attacks the advantage line a bit more with the introduction of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs).

It has to be said the Bulls have an interesting Super 14 record - they have finished last in three seasons and are now Super 14 champions. Therefore they are certainly capable of springing any sort of surprise this season.

Strengths: The Bulls have such great individual talent in key positions, a formidable forward pack and Steve Hofmeyer singing that catchy "Blou Bull" song in front of the Loftus faithful at every home game.

Weakness: They could be found wanting in the second row if their two Springbok locks, Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw, aren't fit for the whole season. Their only other weakness could be their extreme confidence.

Noteworthy signings: : Rassie Jansen van Vuuren (Pumas), Stefan Dippenaar (WP) , Francois Hougaard (WP), Tertius Losper (WP), Zane Kirchner (Griquas), Jacques Burger (Griquas), Tiger Mangweni (Griquas), Jandre Kruger (Western Province), Wouter Moore (Sharks), Sangoni Mxoli (Sharks)

Noteworthy losses:Danie Thiart (Montpellier, France), Ruan Vermeulen (Rovigo), Wessel Roux (Toulon), Gary Botha (Harlequins), Victor Matfield (Toulon), Francois van Schouwenburg (Toulon), Cliff Milton (Stade Francais), Adriaan Fondse (Stormers), Hottie Louw (Treviso), Neil Powell (Springbok Sevens), Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Cheetahs), Frikkie Welsh (Montpellier), Dries Scholtz (retired), Johan Roets (retired), Stefan Basson (Rovigo, Italy), Johan Wasserman (Montpellier, France), Kevin Buys (Brive, France)

Coach: Frans Ludeke is still remembered by many for the dismal 2006 Super 14 where his Cats lost ten of their 13 matches in the tournament. However, at the Bulls - a team with a considerable amount of talent and depth - he will have the ideal opportunity to prove to the rugby fraternity what he is truly capable of. It will be interesting to see just how much he actually changes the current brand of Bulls rugby.

Captain: Fourie du Preez is an experienced campaigner, having made his Super debut in 2003. He was also an influential player in the World Cup-winning Springbok squad. While he believes in the Bulls's collective leadership, there is no doubt that he is exemplary on and off the field and has the potential to be an outstanding captain. You just can't help but respect him.

Player(s) to watch: Apart from the usual suspects, who are expected to perform throughout the season (no pressure) - Bryan Habana, Fourie du Preez, Bakkies Botha, Wickus van Heerden and Danie Rossouw - Chiliboy Ralepelle could make waves this year, if he stays fit of course. He hasn't really had an opportunity to prove himself at senior level yet, but if he is fit for the entire season he could have an absolute blinder. Zane Kirchner could be just the answer for the Bulls at full-back. He is very dangerous on the attack and has great speed and sidestepping qualities. I suspect he will take a few more risks than Johan Roets did during his time at the Pretoria-team - surely that isn't a bad thing.

2007 Position: Champions

Best finish: Super 14 Winners in 2007

Worst finish: 12th (2002, 2001, 1999)

Home Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (Capacity 50,000)

2008 Prediction: The Bulls have a lot of depth, experience and true grit. We somehow doubt they will retain their title this year, but they should still be a competitive force. The Bulls will finish in the top five at the very least. A semi-final is definitely on the cards.

Bulls: Richard Bands, Gurthro Steenkamp, Rayno Gerber, Jaco Engels, Sangoni Mxoli, Werner Kruger, Rassie van Vuuren, James van der Walt, Derick Kuün, Maku Bandise, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Bakkies Botha, Fudge Mabeta, Hendrik Roodt, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Wouter Moore, Juandré Kruger, Wikus van Heerden, Pedrie Wannenburg, Danie Rossouw, Pierre Spies, Deon Stegman, Dewald Potgieter, Hilton Lobberts, Heinie Adams, JP Joubert, Francois Hougaard, Fourie du Preez, Derick Hougaard, Burton Francis, Ruan Boshoff, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Stephan Dippenaar, Luvoyo Mhlobiso, Stefan Watermeyer, Marius Delport, Danwel Demas, Bryan Habana, John Mametsa, Trompie Nontshinga, Akona Ndungane , Tertius Losper, Tiger Mangweni, Zane Kirchner

Schedule:

February 16: v Stormers, away

February 22: v Crusaders, home

March 1: v Sharks, home

March 7: v Lions, home

March 15: v Reds, away

March 22: v Chiefs, away

March 29: v Blues, away

April 4: v Western Force, away

April 12: v Hurricanes, home

April 19: v Highlanders, home

April 25/26: Bye

May 3: v Waratahs, home

May 9: v Brumbies, home

May 17: v Cheetahs, away