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, 13:10 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-93:
I’m not sure pottie is guraranteed a place in the starting XV.
@>^..^< katman(katman)-91:
why place the chilster under added pressure in his first season as the bulls clear no 1 hooker.
let him establish himself there first with a decent injury free season.
imo spies could do with some added pressure.
16 Nov 2011, 13:10 pm
Congratulations Pierre…
I hope Tacitus is correct and this brings out the best in you… and you finally fulfill your undoubted potential…
16 Nov 2011, 13:10 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-88:
Most experienced Bok.
First choice in his position at both national and provincial level. – Justified?
Experience of winning 3 Super Rugby finals, as first choice in his position. – Still no captaincy experience
Most experienced Super Rugby player in the team with 72 Super Rugby Caps. – Still does not display captaincy experience
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. –Again, not convinced.
16 Nov 2011, 13:11 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-98:
no man.
you sierra on you sierra them all.
16 Nov 2011, 13:11 pm
Transformation allow me to share a little about me so as to allow you some window into my thinking. By birth I am from the Eastern Cape, I have resided in KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and North West. I have seen how the brand Blue Bulls appeals to black people in far deep rural villages of the North West and am of the view (you might disagree) that when you have Chiliboy captaining the Bulls Team he might bring rugby and Bulls much closer to a black kid.
In 1994 I was a teenage or youth and I saw how Chester Williams resonated with us black youth. In my view we need more.
Because of our history race in this country plays a big role on the way many people look and interact with their situations and environment. I am fully aware of the elitist nature of rugby (I raise that not negatively but to drive a point).
My contention to you is that many black kids in deep rural parts of this want to play rugby but cannot because of facilities and access. But a black captain of a successful Bulls Team might just give those kids hope and keep those dreams
16 Nov 2011, 13:12 pm
@pompies2(pompies2)-103:
Your opinion is noted.
16 Nov 2011, 13:13 pm
You dont need a plethora of achievements to lead a team,Look at young Sam Warburton who led the Welsh with aplomb during biggest Rugby tournament in the world at 22 years of age,he captained a team that included old horses like Alun Wyn Jones,Ryan Jones,B&I Lions trio of Jamie Robers,Phillips and Shane Williams.Lets not hide behind achievements and all those other things.Chilli should have been the man.Even his age allows him to grow in that role,it should not be used aginst him.
16 Nov 2011, 13:13 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-101:
I wonder who will be starting at 7 for the Bulls this year if its not Pottie?
Danies not there anymore. Will it be that oke they signed from the Kings?
16 Nov 2011, 13:14 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-101: I can see how that can cut both ways. But to say that the one could use the pressure while the other could do without it just seems a little convenient and contrived.
16 Nov 2011, 13:14 pm
Spies is a risk as captain….. but the risk / reward ratio is an unknown at this stage.
I just wonder if he heas the grunt / balls to klap a player that arrives late for training or use some “kragdadige woorde” when its needed at a half time break.
What is more interesting for me now is that he suddenly raises the stakes for Bok captaincy.
Personally, I think they have missed an opportunity by not making Chilli the cappy. Would’ve earned them some serious brownie points with the masses so to speak… Just imagine another S15 semi in Soweto with Chilli as captain???
16 Nov 2011, 13:15 pm
Anyway.
It’s no suprise that the usual suspects are subbing into their amasi about this.
I still belive that chilli will one day be the bulls and bok captain.
in fact it wouldn’t suprise me to see him take us to the world cup in 2015.
16 Nov 2011, 13:16 pm
@Izwe Lethu(Koos van der merwe)-107:
I don’t know you, but I like you.
Good post.
For the same reason, I think our bok captain should be somoene similar. I still think Bekker and de Jongh could step up to the plate and do a Warburton for us.
16 Nov 2011, 13:16 pm
Martin Johnson has resigned.
16 Nov 2011, 13:17 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-104: I thought that was shopping centres.
You’ve seen one, you’ve seen a mall.
16 Nov 2011, 13:18 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-111:
Gunth, I think if our next coach is white, that scenario will become a very real possibility for 2015.
Last thing we need is for bok passports to be revoked just before 2015 England
16 Nov 2011, 13:18 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-114:
clever.
16 Nov 2011, 13:19 pm
@Helen(Helen)-112:
Bekker?
Fk no, he has a serious attitude problem.
Have you seen him k ak on his own players when they make mistakes. Cant have that in a captain when he has to deal with the press, refs etc etc.
He’ll lose his rag in 2 seconds.
16 Nov 2011, 13:19 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-109:
why?
its chilli’s first season starting at hooker.
spies is a seasoned campaigner
chilli has a patchy injury record.
The whole thing is a bit of a non issue for me.
16 Nov 2011, 13:22 pm
Too much emphasis is put on captains in SA.
We should pick our captains like we pick our hookers. Whatever is needed on the day should be applied.
If it then so happens that one player is used all the time, then he would’ve deserved it thoroughly.
But, this lifetime captaincy that we run after just paints coaches and selectors into a corner. What of this new guy Adonga starts pushing Pierre out of the starting 15?? Rather pick a leadership team of 4 or 5 players and appoint captain per game or per tour or er tournament at the very worst
16 Nov 2011, 13:22 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-108:
yep that’s the one.
same surname.
he looks very usefull.
alice band just doesn’t have the grunt at the top level.
16 Nov 2011, 13:22 pm
@Transformation(Transformation)-50: I think you;re being glib here. There’s no doubt that there pressure will be on in the near future to appoint a black Springbok captain.
Chilli was always in SARU’s plans as the guy to take over from John, i was given this info first hand. Yes things change, and as things change, the plans change with them, but I am very surprised to see Pierre appointed and not Chilli.
He ticks all the boxes, including the transformation one (if you’lll excuse my use of your nick
)
however this is the Bulls, and apart from how they affect Springbok rugby, i couldn’t really care who they appoint.
I’m just surprised is all.
16 Nov 2011, 13:23 pm
i agree spies can do with some pressure…
build up the pressure so that when it’s reeled on the field he runs through or over people and drags them with him the tryline…
squeeze him and make him angry enough to start hurting people…
16 Nov 2011, 13:24 pm
when it’s released…
16 Nov 2011, 13:24 pm
@John Galt(John Galt)-117:
Understand.
But, there is a fliside to that attitude. It can be harnessed for the benefit of the team. Also, captaincy somtimes brings out different characteristics in players. I think Bekker will respond well with that responsibility. I am more concerned with his private life and how that has turned the public against him. Lost a bit of moral authority with that vry in the park.
De Jongh, on the hand is another contender for our Warburton
16 Nov 2011, 13:27 pm
@Gunther(gunther)-118: Dry your broeks, Goenta. Just trying to understand the logic here. But I see it’s a simple case of supply and demand. No other union supplied you with a better captain, so now you demand that Peirre pull up his socks. And good luck to the big fella.
16 Nov 2011, 13:27 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-114:
don’t knock it.
I met the love of my life in a shopping centre.
That’s a mall hey?
16 Nov 2011, 13:28 pm
Whatever happend with Dewalt Potgieter, remember when he burst on the scene a lot of peaple saying how outstanding he was and how he would be the next Bulls and Bok captain, i got a mouthful 4 saying i didnt think so, but said if he was the size and built like Spies yes as he was a good player, never held back, just not enough of him.
16 Nov 2011, 13:28 pm
Izwe Lethu makes a solid point.
Sam Warburton, sans his brainfart in the qrt final, could easily have been considered the best captain in rugby.
At 22, he showed us what is important as captain. Humble in front of cameras, aggro with players and deserving of his place in the team. In such a case, a number of SA players suddenly become contenders for the top job and not just the Schalla and Juan brigade…
16 Nov 2011, 13:30 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-125:
you have been shown the logic.
I think maybe we should draw you a picture.
16 Nov 2011, 13:30 pm
@Tacitus.
You may have a point about Chiliboy. Being appointed captain probably wouldn’t have done him any favors.
Spies is still a poor choice though. Can’t help but think Wynand Olivier would’ve been the better choice. A few others would’ve been better options also. Wynand has put up with a lot of unwarranted criticism. Not half as bad as some make him out to be.
Spies a terrible choice. It’ll be up to him to prove us wrong.
16 Nov 2011, 13:32 pm
@Treehugger(Treehugger)-127:
I remember, 2 seasons ago, even Victor said in an interview that Slangkos (his nic) would make a great captain and that he’s been identified in their succession planning.
I think he has been proven to be just a little light in the pants. No matter how hard he plays, he lacks the physical presence and so will be lifted out of his position by a player that works equally hard but packs an extra 10kgs of muscle, ie Adonga.
I think the same risk applies to Spies, but let’s see. I hope he surprises us, because I respect the guy and hope he becomes more than just a rumour
16 Nov 2011, 13:34 pm
Honest question – were the Bulls ready for a black captain?
16 Nov 2011, 13:34 pm
@Helen(Helen)-128:
Warburton was a contender for the best player in his position at the World Cup.
Chilli isn’t even best in his country, and in fact is still proving that he is best in his position at his province for a full season.
Invalid comparison.
16 Nov 2011, 13:34 pm
@Helen(Helen)-131: Potgieter reminds me a bit of England’s Lewis Moody. Hard working, fearless and fit. But probably about 8 or 10kg shy of a world-class ball carrier.
16 Nov 2011, 13:35 pm
@hendrikp(hendrikp)-130:
I would assume the players, especially the senior players, had some input in this selection….. Maybe they know something we don’t know, so I’ll give Spies a chance. Just hope he lifts his aggression a bit. No more mr nice guy. He needs to have one or two foul play incidents to improve his street cred
16 Nov 2011, 13:36 pm
@willievz(willievz)-132:
And how do you propose we find an answer to that question?
16 Nov 2011, 13:37 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-133:
That is not who I was comparing.
I think someone like Bekker or de Jongh could do a Warburton for SA. Even Bissy!
The Warburton Doctrine opines that your captain need not be internationally recognised with 110 caps and a list of trophies….
16 Nov 2011, 13:38 pm
@Helen(Helen)-137:
Oh. You mean the Graeme Smith doctrine.
It was tried by Cricket SA, and resulted in a captain that everyone pretty much despises because of his arrogance since he was appointed captain at the age of 22.
16 Nov 2011, 13:39 pm
@>^..^< katman(katman)-134:
That comments reminds me of Ruan Pienaar.
Lazy, scared and out of shape, but 65kgs shy of being a great tighthead.
16 Nov 2011, 13:40 pm
@Tacitus(Deucalion)-138:
Ja, maybe Greame is the closest we’ve come to the Warburton Doctrine in SA.
As much as I don’t like the guy, his captaincy has not been a total failure.
AND there was a never an issue with his age from fellow players as far as I know.
16 Nov 2011, 13:44 pm
I see Jonno has resigned as england coach.
enter the mullet.
16 Nov 2011, 13:45 pm
Spies hopes to lead from the front, is that a typo?
16 Nov 2011, 13:48 pm
Just hope Spies doesn’t lead by example – the Bulls will have a team of underachieving gym warriors.
16 Nov 2011, 13:48 pm
131@Helen… i remember that, you put it much better than me about him being 2 light.
16 Nov 2011, 13:52 pm
Should have been Juandre Kruger, or Flip Van Der Merwe. Bulls should always have a hard man leading them, not a wimpy clown!
16 Nov 2011, 13:54 pm
One of Jacques Potgieter, or the two wonderkids, CJ Stander and Arno Botha will be the Bulls number 7.
16 Nov 2011, 13:59 pm
@HongKongSlong(HongKongSlong)-145:
Should have been Chilliboy, a certain starter at the Bulls.
I would not start Spies at 8 for the Bulls.
16 Nov 2011, 14:00 pm
@ufo(ufo)-102:
why do you have to be so ffucking condescending?
.
.
.
16 Nov 2011, 14:01 pm
@willievz(willievz)-132:
The fact is that Chilli has been on the bench so much that he has probably lost some ground with his players and is not seen as a senior player.
16 Nov 2011, 14:03 pm
I can’t really recall Spies having a bad Super rugby campaign. But I recall a number of years where he was very, very good at S14 level.
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