The Bulls started training again on Monday after their festive break, with hooker Botha back after an absence of two seasons.As far as Steenkamp goes, the end of 2009 was probably not a highlight as he was part of the Bok midweek side that got a hiding in the scrums from the Leicester Tigers.
Steenkamp, who has played in 22 Tests, was also injured in that game and had to return to South Africa.
The Blue Bulls’ scrumming at times proved a weakness in their march to the Currie Cup title, but Steenkamp is unconcerned and he is full of hope ahead of the 2010 season.
“It does not worry me. The tour was difficult because the guys in the midweek side were not really familiar with one another,” said Steenkamp.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Gary again. He learned overseas (at Harlequins) about how those guys scrum, and we can learn from him. We scrummed well together when we were still team-mates in 2007.”
He terms Botha a “true team man”, who will also do invaluable work in the tight loose.
Currie Cup captain Derick Kuün will move back to flank following Botha’s arrival.
Springboks such as Steenkamp, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw, Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez and Morné Steyn are training hard again for a season in which it will be difficult to improve on the previous one.
However, Steenkamp believes the Bulls can build on that.
“We were blessed with a great season last year. We take it week by week and day by day, but we have goals for the season. We want to improve, and play and train even harder,” said Steenkamp.
Former Springbok prop Balie Swart occasionally helps tweak the Bulls scrum.
Steenkamp and Werner Kruger were the Bulls’ regular props in 2009, with Jaco Engels and Dean Greyling as understudies.
They are all available again this year and even though Frik Kirsten is still recovering from a neck injury, new acquisition Bees Roux will strengthen the Bulls. He can scrum on both sides.
Okay Gary, tell him that he has to commit his left arm, shoulder and his neck to the scrum like all other loose heads who want to scrum.
Or he can go on scrumming with the left side of his body in fresh air like he has done all 2009, and get the same bad results for his team at scrum time.
Good luck Gary.
I dont envy you.
The news this morning is that bakkies is out injured for three months. This is a big blow for the bulls, as he is one of their better forwards.
Tripples, Steenkamp was “injured” against Leicester not injured. 😆
Even with Gary B back the Bulls scrum is going to be targeted.
2@ Snoek – Expect Bakkies back by late Feb or very early March….
1@ Tight Head – Gurthro Steenkamp has probably the worst scrumming technique of all Looseheads playing now… worldwide.
You are spot-on regarding his failings.
The Bulls scrum better improve, this IS one of their weaknesses!
After spending two season with the Vodacom Cheetahs, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, has returned to his beloved Pretoria and will play for the Vodacom Bulls in 2010’s Vodacom Super 14 tournament.
The versatile 25-year-old set aside a few minutes to speak to vodacombulls.co.za
Tell us about your early years
I was born in Pretoria on the 2nd of September 1984 and spend the majority of my early years in the Jacaranda city. I attended Laerskool Hennopspark where I played flyhalf.
Which High School did you go to?
I enrolled at Affies where I played with the likes of Pierre Spies, Derick Kuün, Dawie Steyn and Harry Vermaas. The Proteas’ AB de Villiers was our flyhalf with me slotting in at fullback.
There are rumours doing the rounds that you played prop at Affies…
Ha-ha…Yes, I played two matches in the front row. In grade eight and nine I was mostly used at fullback, but in grade ten there weren’t any guys who were able to play in the front row and I consequently nominated myself to have a go at prop. I scrummed reasonably well in the trials and was selected at prop for two matches.
Did you continue to play prop later on?
No, it was only for those two matches. I played outside centre in grade ten and in grade eleven and twelve I wore the number 15 jumper.
Who was your childhood hero?
Jonny Wilkinson.
What did you do after matric?
I went to the North West University (Pukke)for a year and a halve, but halfway through 2004 I was back with the Blue Bulls. In 2004 I played for the Bulls’ Under 20 team.
When did you make your debut for the Vodacom Blue Bulls?
In 2005. I played Vodacom Cup rugby for the Blue Bulls in 2005 and was also selected for the Under 21 team. In 2006 I played my first Currie Cup match for the Blue Bulls.
Did you play any Super Rugby for the Bulls before you departed for Bloemfontein?
Yes, I played one match in 2007 at Loftus Versfeld against the Vodacom Cheetahs.
In hindsight, was it a good move to sign with the Cheetahs?
Yes, definitely. I got a lot of game time with them and at the time it was the right decision. I married just before we left for Bloemfontein and it was good for both of us.
What is the biggest difference between the Bulls and the Cheetahs?
The Cheetahs have two or three game breakers, whereas the Bulls have nine. The Bulls have won the Super 14 on two occasions and were the Currie Cup champions in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 (shared) and 2009.
Was it an easy decision to make when the Bulls approached you at the end of 2009?
Yes, it was very easy. The Bulls are the best franchise in the world and I would love to play for them again.
What position do you prefer?
I am a flyhalf, but I am very comfortable at inside centre. During our summer camp I trained at 10 and 12.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
2009’s Currie Cup semi-final when I slotted the drop goal that helped the Cheetahs to beat the Sharks in Durban. In addition to this I must say my debut for the Bulls in 2007’s Super 14 was also quite special.
What are your goals for 2010?
I just want to enjoy everything I do. It is a massive privilege to have a job as a professional rugby player.
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