Spies to lead Bulls
16 Nov 2011
Pierre Spies has been awarded the Bulls captaincy while Wynand Olivier has been named as his deputy.
The Bulls have lost a number of senior players to overseas contracts and retirement. Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Gary Botha and Gurthro Steenkamp will continue their careers abroad, while Victor Matfield will hang up his boots after the Barbarians vs Wallabies clash at the end of the month.
Spies was up against Chiliboy Ralepelle for the Bulls captaincy, and the Bulls management felt the Bok No 8 was the right man to succeed Matfield. This despite Ralepelle’s record at age group level (he captained the Baby Boks to a World Championship title in 2005) and the fact that he’s already led the senior Bok team, albeit in two tour matches.
‘It was not such a big surprise though, as I had it in the back of my mind that I could be asked to lead the team when Victor retired,’ Spies said. ‘I was privileged in my career at the Bulls and the Springboks to play with great captains and I could certainly learn a lot from them.
‘I believe a captain should lead from the front and I hope that will be something that I can do successfully. There are huge challenges ahead, but we are all looking forward to that. This group is younger than in previous years, but we have the same goals as those squads and that is to win the competition.’
Meanwhile, Spies’s vice-captain will be sidelined for the next two months. Olivier has undergone a shoulder operation and will only be available to the Bulls in early February.
‘I like that responsibility. Anyone who wants to write off the Bulls because we lost players, do so at their own peril. I think we have a squad that can with the competition again. There are new faces, so there will be a challenge to make sure all share the same vision, but I see no problems in that. We have a great management team and coaching staff and they will get everyone to pull in the same direction.’
419 Comments
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16 Nov 2011, 12:38 pm
Zwe Lethu I agree with you but I submit to you that a Chiliboy that stays healthy this coming season and gets more game time would be in a much much more stronger position to achieve what you are saying. My only contention is that lets not push too soon or out of timing emerging black talent to positions they a capable of doing when they need a little more time to develop into those positions.
From my observations I believe that out of all Top 5 or 6 Provincial Unions, the Bulls Union is the only one that seems to have had a practicable and sustainable integration strategy/transformation in teams of developing or buying black players and ensuring they perform at higher level. The possibility of getting Chiliboy as a captain is within reach and the only obstacle for me is for him to play more games and remain healthy
16 Nov 2011, 12:38 pm
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE(KWAGGA ROBERTSE)-44:
ek dink nie potties is meer n seker keuse met Jaques potgieter, Arnol botha, en steggies daar nie. my loosies vir bulle sal wees.
8 botha
7 jaques potgieter
6 steggies
16 Nov 2011, 12:40 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-50:
anyway.
xhosakid reliably informs us that black people only support the bulls to suck up to their bosses.
(I hear Patrice is a big bulls fan)
Real rugby afficionados like himself support province.
16 Nov 2011, 12:40 pm
with no derick hougaard and Hurdles gone, Johan Sadie is the new ‘LIEFLING”
16 Nov 2011, 12:40 pm
A lot of unhappy supporters from other unions on this thread.
Very strange.
16 Nov 2011, 12:41 pm
Disappointed. For me the obvious contenders had to be Slangkos and Chilli with Spies a very distant 3rd.
However.
It is what it are.
Spies to captain the Bulls and he will enjoy my full support from here on in.
16 Nov 2011, 12:43 pm
@vasteses(vasteses)-52: Ek **** jou maar sonder iemand wat leiding kan neem is ons in ons hel in en van die beskikbare ouens is Potties die beste…….eina ene hierdie.
Maar die besluit is geneem en dis Spies s’n om te maak of breek.
16 Nov 2011, 12:44 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-53: maybe. they’re also very likely to be Man U & Ferrari fans, not so much of the latter nowadays as Schumi left and Massa & Alonso are ripping up the track.
16 Nov 2011, 12:44 pm
**** = h o o r
Ryan weer glue gesnuif vanmore……………
16 Nov 2011, 12:44 pm
@Tito(Tito)-43: Why would it not work conversely? So, because you have a poster-boy, you have to make him the captain of the team. Last I recalled, Smit was supported/vilified by all supporters, not just a certain demographic.
16 Nov 2011, 12:45 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-53: yes Patrice said he was a bulls fan. he went to an Afrikaans High School somewhere in the free state, i think.
16 Nov 2011, 12:45 pm
Spies was always the only logical choice.
16 Nov 2011, 12:45 pm
”I believe a captain should lead from the front” – The ruck inspector explains why he shouldn’t be captain, it’s the funniest thing ever!
Johan Cruijf allways said you make your best player captain. In adversity teammates look to either the best player or the captain to pass the ball to, it simplifies matters if that is the same person.
Spies has all the attributes to be a great player, except for one- He has no ticker
16 Nov 2011, 12:46 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-55: can’t imagine you’re happy with the invisible man?
16 Nov 2011, 12:46 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-55:
Not unhappy at all. In fact this is great fun.
I’m very happy with the choices that were made.
16 Nov 2011, 12:47 pm
Transformation I reckon that Chiliboy appointment as a Captain of the Bulls would definitely affect the lives of black young people in every corner of this country. Remember the power of this mass media included is the mobile phone that knows no boundaries.
My only concern is let’s not push the young man too soon instead lets allow him some time to accumulate more game time and to enhance his credentials in a field of play as a player with no added responsibilities
16 Nov 2011, 12:47 pm
@Stiff-arm(Stiff-arm)-63: heard they even used a body double for him on the Outsurance ads – too much contact involved
16 Nov 2011, 12:48 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-61:
which boss is he impressing?
must be another “dynamic
16 Nov 2011, 12:50 pm
For the guys punting Chilli, can you imagine the pressure he would be under if this young Bulls team have a below par season next year?
Accusations of quota, token, political appointment etc. would houng him, and his career would take a nose dive.
The Bulls have done the right thing by giving the captaincy to their most senior Bok. If Chilli remains injury free and mature along with this team, it would be much better for him to take over in a few years time, rather than now.
Once again, the union has thought of the player’s best interest, and not just the best marketing mileage they could get out of him.
Well done, Bulls.
16 Nov 2011, 12:50 pm
Well if he is captain of the Bulls, he must be a strong contender to be Bok captain in next 4 years.
WP – Schalk Burger (Will he be plating in 4 years time?)
FS – A Strauss (Not in Bok team)
Lions – J Strauss (Not in Bok team)
Sharks – Daniels (Not in Bok team)
Bulls – Spies
How this site will flip if our new coach does a Jake White and announce Spies captain for his his 4 year tenor as soon as he is appointed. Grant10 will just copy and paste all his comments over last 4 years and replace John Smit or Plod with Spies.
16 Nov 2011, 12:51 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-62: your logic is a relative concept.
16 Nov 2011, 12:51 pm
houng-hound
16 Nov 2011, 12:52 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-50:
Trans,what I am saying is that,it will definitely generate interest in black communities,better than the Orlando Stadium interest.
Interest will lead to some wanting to take up the sport.A couple of years back a certain Dr Koos Basson was asked by SARU to do a transformation study,he found out that the rugby number of playing personnel is dwindling rapidly and for SARU to make sure that the sport does not die a slow death they would have to start investing and developing rugby in the black community.I dont know whether the findings were taken seriously,this was during the Brian van Rooyen era.There has to be some sort of stimulation to attract more and more players of colour,especially outside of Eastern and Western Cape where there is already established rugby traditions.
16 Nov 2011, 12:53 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-69: how he even became a senior bok remains a mystery
16 Nov 2011, 12:53 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-69: K@K. That just shows your pervading mindset. That card sits comfortably in the subconscious, ready to be unleashed. Admit it, you and your ilk are just not ready to have a black player leading your side in the game you think you own. For that reason alone, Chilliboy should be captain.
16 Nov 2011, 12:54 pm
well.
it will be either the making or breaking of him.
16 Nov 2011, 12:54 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-69: Good point.
16 Nov 2011, 12:55 pm
@My nr1 nr2 too(trupisero)-74: A mytery only because you don’t understand the game of rugby. back to yuor korfbal and jukskei lesson.
16 Nov 2011, 12:55 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-75:
Yawn.
16 Nov 2011, 12:55 pm
@My nr1 nr2 too(trupisero)-74: olivier as well for that matter
16 Nov 2011, 12:56 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-79: You don’t have to explain. The lager is safely secured. Question. What qualifies Spies as “the only logical choice”?
16 Nov 2011, 12:57 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-78: those games are exclusively played in PTA are they not?
Jukskei – let’s throw a log at a stick.
Korfbal – uhm, wtf is korfbal?
16 Nov 2011, 12:57 pm
@Tito(Tito)-66: “affect”? HOW?
you’ve made the statement, now substantiate!
the Ndunganes are Boks, have been playing in domestic top flight for years, have kept their noses clean. have you seen anyone branding them or using their story?
i can tell you right now, i don’t believe it would make any difference to kids in Bushbuckridge id Mathlatsi was made captain of the bulls.
16 Nov 2011, 12:57 pm
@KWAGGA ROBERTSE(KWAGGA ROBERTSE)-44: Always thought Slangkos had some good leadership potential and ability. He seems to have fallen by the wayside not only with the Boks but with Bulls too. Maybe its just my perception though. A pity as I have always rated the guy
16 Nov 2011, 12:58 pm
Pompies 2 Chiliboy would be captain of the Bulls in the future if he is healthy so let him play more games. Unfortunately in the recent past he has been unlucky with injuries
16 Nov 2011, 12:58 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-79:
ignore the pomper.
he is being a devil’s avocado.
he says more about his subconscious than anybody elses.
16 Nov 2011, 13:00 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-69:
What if Pierre fails???Are you implying that there are double standards amongst Bulls fans???Are you saying if Pierre fails Pretorians will just say ag nee,dus net ou Pierre,hy sal reg kom?That is sad.
16 Nov 2011, 13:01 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-81:
Most experienced Bok.
First choice in his position at both national and provincial level.
Experience of winning 3 Super Rugby finals, as first choice in his position.
Most experienced Super Rugby player in the team with 72 Super Rugby Caps.
One of only 4 remaining players, along with Olivier, Morne Steyn and Ndungane, from the Bulls’ first Super Rugby trophy in 2007.
Basically. An experienced campagner with more international and Super Rugby experience than anyone else in the team.
16 Nov 2011, 13:02 pm
One of the two men arrested with former Bok Solomzi “Solly” Tyibilika is alive but running for his life.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Simon Dan Shumane, 25, had also been killed.
But the Daily Voice can reveal that he is still alive – but fears he’s next on the hit list that claimed the lives of his two friends.
Tyibilika, 32, was gunned down in a tavern in New Crossroads by two men on Sunday.
And on October 21, Sandile Maqhungu, 27, was shot dead while walking with his girlfriend in Tom Street, Gugulethu.
The three men were arrested last month after police found an unlicensed 9mm gun in the glove compartment of the car they were driving in.
They were arrested and released on bail of R800, and were due to appear in court again in January next year.
On Tuesday, in an exclusive interview with Daily Voice, Simon Shumane said he believes the illegal firearm is at the heart of the matter.
“(On the night of our arrest) we gave Sandile a lift home,” Shumane said.
The police stopped them and found the gun in the car.
“We were genuinely surprised that there was a gun in the car,” he said
“We suspect that Sandile brought it and tried to hide it when he saw the police.”
“Then we were arrested and granted bail on the Wednesday and then the Friday I heard Sandile was killed.”
He fears that he is next on the hit list.
“It’s difficult to think that I’m not next when they killed two of the men I was arrested with,” he explained.
“I think the gun is what got my friends killed.”
A witness at Sunday’s slaying, who was also shot and injured, says they were watching soccer on TV when the gunmen opened fire.
“I went on the ground as they continued to shoot and a bullet hit me in my leg,” the man said.
“Then it was quiet for few minutes and the suspects came back to Solly and shot at him several times and then they left.”
Maqhungu’s family also believe the two murders are linked.
“We’re so scared that we don’t know who to trust anymore,” a family spokesman says.
Meanwhile, the Hamilton Rugby Club in Cape Town says Solly was trying to clean up his life and make a comeback to the game.
“I don’t know what he did outside, but here at the club he was our man,” said his colleague Fatima Bashier.
Tyibilika’s grieving family went to the shebeen where he was gunned down on Tuesday.
Sports Minister, Fikile Mbalula also travelled to speak to the family at the New Crossroads tavern.
And he vowed Tyibilika’s killers will be found.
“They can run but they can’t hide, they will be arrested,” he says
“The community must help the police put these criminals in jail.
“They killed him like he was nothing, like he wasn’t a role model.” – Daily Voice
16 Nov 2011, 13:02 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-68: the guy that employed him @ Bowman Gilfillan
he wasn’t always a magnate.
16 Nov 2011, 13:02 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-69: Surely the same holds true for Spies. Put aside the race issue for a moment and just have a look at public opinion on Spies. If you think Ralepele would have been under pressure to perform as captain, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Spies will be hung, drawn and quartered if they end in the bottom half of the competition.
16 Nov 2011, 13:03 pm
@Izwe Lethu(Koos van der merwe)-87:
If Pierre fails he has all his career achievements to date to back him up.
If Chilli fails, he as a career of warming the bench and recovering from injuries on his CV.
Spot the difference?
16 Nov 2011, 13:03 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-88:
Wasnt Pottie being groomed to take over from Matfield at one stage?
@Izwe Lethu(Koos van der merwe)-87:
Thats not even remotely what he’s saying. Read post 88.
16 Nov 2011, 13:04 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-90:
a pussymagnate?
16 Nov 2011, 13:04 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-86: Surprised you didn’t have a witty riposte? Not being a devils advocate at all. Just don’t understand the only logical choice ” comment at all. I have no problem with Spies being chosen. Just can’t undestand why bloggers have to justify Spies’ selection by denigrating Chilliboy. Not 1 mention has been made of Spies’ leadership qualities. He’s a tv star, who many pimple-faced kids try to emulate in his gyming prowess, so he must make a good captain. Chilliboy won’t handle the pressure of leadership and people will think he’s a token, so don’t give him the captaincy. All this, despite his proven track-record of leadrship.
16 Nov 2011, 13:05 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-93:
Pottie is a great leader, but isn’t good enough to guarantee a starting spot in the team anymore.
We don’t want a John Smit situation on our hands, thankyouverymuch.
16 Nov 2011, 13:06 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-88:
Unfortunately it was that same logic that possibly cost us the RWC. Anyway, it’s your team.
16 Nov 2011, 13:06 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-94: You talking about your Sierra again?
16 Nov 2011, 13:07 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-95:
Who has denigrated Chilli?
16 Nov 2011, 13:08 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-96:
Nice deflection.
Trust me, i wouldnt have minded Smitty starting the CC final and semi the way Bissie played.
Dont underestimate the influence of a great Cappy in a side.
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