Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has opted for prop power on his substitutes bench and kicking options in the backline for Saturday’s Currie Cup match against the Sharks in Pretoria.
Ludeke picked four props in his squad, which is a clear indication that they are planning a forward onslaught.
“It’s definitely where the major battle will be fought. We have a lot of depth at prop and believe we can use it to our advantage,” Ludeke said in explaining his choices of Frik Kirsten and Jaco Engels on the bench.
With Dean Greyling performing well and Werner Kruger establishing himself as one of the strong men of the competition, Ludeke’s optimism is understandable.
However, he is sweating over an ankle injury to Kruger. If he is unable to play, Kirsten will start and Rossouw de Klerk will move up from the under-21 ranks. De Klerk last played for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup semifinal of 2009.
Ludeke surprised at the back by picking utility back Jaco van der Westhuyzen on the wing ahead of the likes of John Mametsa and Hayden Groepes. He admitted that it was a tactical move.
“Yes, it’s rather that than being down to form. Jaco will be our second flyhalf, which gives us further bench options. He did some good things in the Super 14 and I don’t expect him to disappoint us. His tactical ability and kicking boot also helps a lot,” said Ludeke.
The coach made four changes to his starting line-up, with Gerrit-Jan van Velze returning at No 8. Dewald Potgieter moves to the flank in place of CJ Stander, who will be on the bench.
The team:
Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Ruan Snyman, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Dewald Potgieter, Derick Kuün (captain), Fudge Mabeta, Juandré Kruger, Werner Kruger, Bandise Maku, Dean Greyling.
Substitutes: Henry Bantjes, Frik Kirsten, Jaco Engels, Wilhelm Steenkamp, CJ Stander, Dustin Jinka, Stefan Watermeyer.
News24
I think Frans is making a mistake. The Sharks are playing a very high paced game, and the extra fatties in the team will suit the Sharks.
If the Sharks play Alberts, Deysel and Daniels as a combo, with Bissie @ 2, the Bulls will have their hands full on Saturday.
The Bulls definately miss Steggies at the moment.
It’s gonna be a cracker, which ever way the result goes.
@ Snoek:
I agree, Alberts, Deysel, Daniels and Bismarck will be the difference then add Beast and his mobility to that, it is going to be a very hard game for the Bulls
General: Internal probe of police in Bees Roux incident
Tshwane Metro Police have started an internal investigation into the incident involving Blue Bulls prop Bees Roux, Sergeant Johannes Mohale (38), who was killed, and two of his colleagues. The rugby player was released on bail of R100 000 on Monday after the defence told the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court that he was a ‘victim of theft by a metro police official’. A Beeld report says Roux was apparently a victim of extortion by a metro police official after a drunken night at a Pretoria strip club. The Flamingo club’s Pieter Crous told the paper the Metro Police regularly wait for his clients outside the club and then extort bribes from them. A stripper confirmed that Roux and a friend visited the club and left in a drunken state after 1am. The incident occurred a few minutes later. The report says the investigation will be the fourth involving Mohale, who was accused of theft and disorderly behaviour in July 2007, unprofessional conduct and dereliction of duty in November 2008 and gross negligence in December 2008. None of these investigations or disciplinary actions was concluded.
Not sure about this one….haven’t made my bru picks for this game yet. The Sharks are favourites by a mile, but they are playing a bull’s team at Loftus who’s desperate for a win….decisions, decisions, decisions!!
@ bos_otter:
aren’t they playing in durban?
@ biltongbek:
4 Blue Bulls vs Sharks 19:10 Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria according to the fixtutes on
http://www.rugbyweek.com/CurrieCup/fixtures.asp
@ bos_otter:
If that is the case I understand your conundrum.
would go Bulls by 3
@ bos_otter:
And Sir dont you believe our own fixture lists, right here on R-T under FIXTURES. 😀
Ok, last one.
If at Loftus Bulls by 3
If in durban Sharks by 10
@ superBul: you never mate….you never know 🙂
@ biltongbek:
Yea, I thought of going for the Bulls by 3, but eish….not so sure..Sharkies is strong this year.
Chaps,Deyse lis out for the season and will only play in the S15 again. @ biltongbek:
Also interesting is that the Bulls have a good record at kingspark and the Sharks a good record at Loftus in the CC over the last couple of years.
@ Pokkel:
yeah, boet, it is all just guess work. It would be good for the competition though if Bulls lost, it opens up the competition then.
Go SHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarks.
@ biltongbek:
I agree….gooooo Shaaaaaaaaaarks. If the Bulls lose this match they are going have a difficult road ahead.
Next week the Cheetah’s in Bloem. Then the Lions at Loftus.After that the Griquas in Kimberly and then the WP at Loftus.
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