It is becoming more and more difficult for the Bulls faithful not to start comparing this year’s team to the Super Rugby winning sides of 2007, 2009 and 2010.

The Star – Vata Ngopbeni

The similarities are there in bucketloads, but the key component is that Frans Ludeke’s team are showing an unquenchable thirst for winning which can only be satisfied with the trophy safely tucked away at Loftus Versfeld.

And the Bulls took a giant leap in realising their ambition of once again becoming Super Rugby champions when they convincingly beat the Southern Kings 41-18 on Saturday to catapult themselves to second place on the combined log and firmly put themselves in contention for a home semi-final berth.

The equation is simple for the Bulls – beat the Sharks and the Stormers and they will have a home semi-final.

If the log-leading Chiefs lose a game in the remaining two weekends the Bulls will have their fate firmly in their hands and could finish the round robin in first place which will be a major shot in the arm in improving chances of a home final.

While the Bulls are not a side to get ahead of themselves, they would have made the calculations and realised that a home semi-final and final can only bode well for them as they have never lost either on South African soil.

But before getting into the play-offs the Bulls will need to take the positives from their win over the Kings and ensure that they are even better against the Sharks on Saturday.

“I think we did the job. The process wasn’t without fault and we definitely have stuff to work on. But it definitely was a good performance that bodes well for our next game. It (the Sharks game) is going to be tougher and this week’s preparation is going to be important for us,” said Bulls captain Dewald Potgieter.

What was pleasing with the Bulls’ win over the Kings was how they were able to make good use of their possession in crossing the Kings tryline six times.

However, there will be some concern about how the Bulls wilted under the pressure of the maul, one of their strengths over the years and a facet of the game they will be tested on against better opposition like the Sharks and Stormers.

“We got exactly what we wanted from the game, it was a tough contest and we were tested. We will make a few adjustments for the next game, but we scored some lovely tries. I’m happy with the result and the way the guys played,” Ludeke said.

“I think the Kings did some homework and they had more numbers (at the breakdown). They did well but it is something we will look at and it is more of a tactical thing. It is the strength of SA sides and we will get more of that next week, so it is something we will work on,” said Potgieter.

The Bulls will also be buoyed by the fact that the effects of losing captain Pierre Spies and Arno Botha through injury has had little effect on the team. Instead, the Bulls have proved to have the depth required to win the competition.

“Players stepped up and there were some boots to fill and questions to ask. The rhythm was good. We tried to keep the squad the same during the break. All in all I am satisfied with the result,” Ludeke said.

Meanwhile, the Bulls are rumoured to be in the market for Springbok and Cheetahs scrumhalf Piet van Zyl to replace Jano Vermaak, who will be leaving for France this year.

While no formal offer has been made to Van Zyl, the Bulls are likely to put something on the table this week as the window for negotiations opens today.

However, the Bulls will face some fierce competition for the services of Van Zyl, with Western Province also believed to be interested in his services.

Furthermore, the Bulls are close to concluding a permanent move for Lions hooker Callie Visagie who has been on loan to the Bulls for the Super Rugby competition.

Visagie will step into the boots of Chiliboy Ralepelle who is also leaving for France this year.

There is also speculation that Kings hooker Bandise Maku could return to Loftus if the Kings fail to stay in Super Rugby after the promotion-relegation match against the Lions.

Maku started his professional career at the Bulls and became a Springbok while also being part of the 2009 and 2010 Super Rugby winning teams.