Pierre Spies

Pierre Spies may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but the Bulls believe in him as a player and leader.

There is no doubt the 29-year-old has all the physical attributes to be one of the best No 8’s in the world, even though his contribution sometimes disappoints and he will continue to have his detractors.

However, it is his value to the Bulls’ cause and the team that convinced coach Frans Ludeke to name him skipper ahead of esteemed players like Victor Matfield, Adriaan Strauss and Deon Stegmann.

Speaking ahead of their trip to London this week – for Saturday’s outing against Saracens at Allianz Park – Ludeke explained that Spies was the preferred captain for the past 2 years, a period during which major injuries limited his appearances.

“We really missed him last year,” the Bulls coach said, adding: “There was a huge hole in terms of leadership and what he brings to the team.

“We must remember that he was the captain that guided us to a home semifinal after players like Victor and Fourie left.

“Obviously he would like to settle back in as a No 8. As a leader, tactically and strategically, he is important to us.”

With established Springbok captains like Matfield and Strauss in the squad, some pundits have already questioned the wisdom of sticking with Spies, however Ludeke is adamant Spies is the right fit because all the players respond very well to him and they support him 100%.

“He gets the best out of the team and players, he leads by example and the way he works with people says a lot about him,” Ludeke said.

“We are privileged to have such great leaders in the team – players like Victor Matfield, Adriaan Strauss and Deon Stegmann.

“Pierre is the captain for the season, but there will be games where Adriaan, Victor and Deon will step in.

“We will make use of the rotation system and there could be injuries. Also, a player like Adriaan Strauss must still settle into the system.

“However, it is great to have so many strong candidates. You don’t want just one strong leader, you need players in all the positions that can take responsibility.”

Spies, capped 53 times for the Springboks since his debut in 2006, suffered his second major setback in February last year – when he was ruled out for the season after a recurrence of a bicep injury. He first tore the bicep in June 2013.

Now fit again, he is set to lead the team for the first time this season against Saracens on Saturday.

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