Spies to lead Bulls

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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  • 151.Yetirat: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:03 pm

    @David(David)-113: so it’s farewell Martin Johnson then. Listening to him yapping in that Sky Sports studio for all those years about what England “should be doing” and then watching him fail in such spectacular fashion was in many ways quite satisfying.

  • 152.Helen: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:09 pm

    @Tacitus(Deucalion)-150:

    The 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 axis of the Bulls will be quite a formidable one next year.

    Perhaps not world beaters in international rugby, but certainly good enough to do serious damage in the S15.

  • 153.willievz: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:12 pm

    @Helen(Helen)-152: Olivier and Sadie will be a very good combination.

  • 154.pokkel: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:16 pm

    @willievz(willievz)-153:

    But Sadie would never see the ball and even if Sadie goes get it he’s not exactly the big on passing either.

    Bulls wings to have a quiet S15 imo

  • 155.Izwe Lethu: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:18 pm

    @Helen(Helen)-112:

    I am chuffed.

    In all honesty,this does not suprise me.The Bulls have never shown any faith in Chilli,when Gary Botha departed for England,they converted Kuun to hooker instead of giving Chilli the no 2 jumper,in fact Meyer and the Bulls’s transformation records are abysmal,

    Here is a good article from former employee.

    Five black wings and Bryan
    2005-02-07 07:42

    After the recent clamour over the Springbok squad that toured Great Britain and Ireland, the composition of the four Super 12 squads somewhat dampened my expectations for the season at hand.

    The inclusion of 32 black players in the squads, I have to admit, does indeed show a significant improvement on last year. However, for this “improved number” to mean anything in terms of the transformational undertaking given by SA Rugby, it needs to be translated into actual game time for these players.

    If not, the Super 12 franchises, as well as SA Rugby for that matter, could once again be accused of window-dressing.

    Take for example the case of Jonghikaya Nokwe on last year’s Home Unions tour – while the good intention of SA Rugby was to give him exposure in the Springbok camp and gain much needed experience, he does not count among the lucky few that received a Super 12 contract!

    What to do with all that exposure and experience now, I ask. Making the starting line-up of a South African Super 12 team is already a challenge for the few black players that do make the squads, but in some cases, having to compete with four or five fellow-black players for one or two positions, makes the composition of some of these squads laughable.

    Across the four squads there are fourteen black players that either play wing or have played wing for their respective provinces in the recent past. The Blue Bulls, Currie Cup Champions for the past three years have been allowed to include five black wings in their thirty-man squad.

    Debut on the wing

    Just when and for how long they will play during the Super 12 is not clear to me, especially since Pierre Spies (not in the original squad), SA U/19 eightman/wing is looking to make his debut for the Bulls on the wing.

    Another black wing also in the running is Trompie Nontshinga, drafted in from the Cheetahs – why draft another black wing when there is five in the original thirty-man squad already?

    The inexperienced Heini Adams will hardly get any game time ahead of Fourie du Preez, while Tim Dlulane will have to wish for an injury or two for him to get a look in.

    That only leaves Bryan Habana at outside-centre. On present form he should easily make the starting line-up, but hey, stranger things have happened.

    Presuming Habana remains injury-free and is selected in his preferred position, Heyneke Meyer will be left with the enviable “luxury” of five black wings to choose from for the one vacant wing position!

    Genuine transformation

    So, while the thirty man squad of the Bulls might reflect an improvement in black representation, it hasn’t moved one inch forward in terms of genuine transformation.

    It’s now much clearer to me why it has been “impossible” to find a Super 12 spot for Nokwe – there simply isn’t any more space left for black wings! This of course begs the question why was he included in Springbok touring squad in the first place.

    If we agree that the Super 12 should be the breeding ground of future Springboks, particularly with the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups in mind, then the composition of the present squads does not augur well for the genuine transformation of the Springbok squad in the near future!

    No matter how many times we profess our commitment to transformation, the proof still lies in the pudding!

    Gary Boshoff is a former Saru player and a well-known rugby administrator

  • 156.willievz: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:20 pm

    @pokkel(pokkel)-154: That’s fine, they will get away with at at Super 14 level.

    Olivier gets over the advantage line at that level and Sadie can carry on more mature phases.

  • 157.rossoneri: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:24 pm

    Congratulations Pierre Spies on the Captaincy. I am actually going to enjoy this apointment. I think it has great entertainment value. :lol:

  • 158.Treehugger: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:33 pm

    150@Tac… :shock:

  • 159.pokkel: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:38 pm

    @willievz(willievz)-156:

    Although if the Bulls continue the kick and chase they probably have the right wings because we all know that Basson is good in the air and JJ is a very tall lad as well.

  • 160.mshiniwami: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 14:54 pm

    This effectively means the end of Potgieter at the Bulls.

  • 161.Michael: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:01 pm

    @Gunther(gunther)-41: I didn’t see the fuss about Monty as a person back then; I liked him as a player. Wynard on the other hand is as useful as a chocolate hammer.

  • 162.Michael: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:02 pm

    @Tacitus(Deucalion)-55: Not strange. A strong Bulls is good for SA rugby. A supposed professional union has made one helluva dumb decision.

  • 163.Tacitus: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:03 pm

    @mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-160:

    Why do you say that?

  • 164.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:19 pm

    @mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-160: he’s signed till 2013 and after that overseas…

  • 165.rossoneri: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:20 pm

    Spies’ tweet: “Pierrespies8 Thanx for all the msg’s evryone-looking forward to lead new generation Bulls! “

  • 166.mshiniwami: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:30 pm

    @Tacitus(Deucalion)-163:

    He isnt good enough to unseat Stegman as a opensider
    He isnt good enough to keep blindside position with Stander,Botha,Other Potgieter challenging NOW
    Spies is now captain therefore wont be replaced for anything.

    So that puts him out of the starting XV, and still on bench he has to compete with any of Botha,Stander,Potgieter and jonno Ross.
    his leadership qualities would have prolonged his stay in XV as he would have been captain or vice.Now….NOTHING

    Days are numbered.

  • 167.Kleuter: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:37 pm

    Man-o-man! I see the Liberals here on keo are up to their usual bashing of anything Afrikaans and Blue.
    Seriously okes?
    Live in your small little world!

  • 168.stew: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:45 pm

    Haha haha – the best news i have heard all day – this isnt a pratical joke ????

  • 169.grant10: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:46 pm

    Lead from the front!!!!!

    Spies??????????????

    LOL X 10000

  • 170.Tacitus: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:55 pm

    @mshiniwami(mshiniwami)-166:

    Why must he either start or leave?

    Why can’t he be a valuable squad player like Danie Rossouw?

    I see a long future for Dewald as a backup loose forward for the Bulls, and even starting games when rotation takes place during the long S15 season.

    Why must it be a case of starting line up or else off to Europe?

  • 171.Gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 15:59 pm

    @Tacitus(Deucalion)-170:

    I see a long futute for dewald as the bulls blogger in chief.

  • 172.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:01 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-169: :D

  • 173.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:02 pm

    spies will first have to deal with israel dagg – his nemesis – before he can lead anything. :D

  • 174.grant10: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:07 pm

    @Horings(Horings)-70: yes…and in 2015 we will lose again…like I said with fat boy…

    I may be a pain the ***….but i get it right most of the farken time…

  • 175.Michael: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:09 pm

    @Tacitus(Deucalion)-170: Agreed. He will stay.

  • 176.Michael: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:10 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-169: Lead from the behind more like it.

  • 177.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:10 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-174: like francois steyn @ 10 :D

  • 178.au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir...: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:11 pm

    its an afrikaans cover version of bob skinstad all over again, i fear.
    hell of a gamble by heyneke to risk the whole of next seasons performance of the team by betting on spies. unless he’s just fulfilling a caretaker captaincy role while a longer term leader is groomed and tested, that would make a lot of sense.

  • 179.Gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:12 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-174:

    only JR thinks that.

    the rest of us just ignore you.

  • 180.stew: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:12 pm

    @Tacitus(Deucalion)-170: Agreed good player but needs more game time

  • 181.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:18 pm

    @Kleuter(Kleuter)-167: “liberals”? grant supports the IRA mate :D

  • 182.grant10: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:18 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-177: exactly!

    Farkit….this is funny….Spies leading from the front….

    no man….wtf !

    Chilliboy must of been a dead certainty.

    Oh my fark….meisiekind as vice?

    LOL

    This is farken hilarious!

  • 183.grant10: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:19 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-177: Thats why I said most of the time !

  • 184.grant10: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:20 pm

    @Gunther(gunther)-179: What is the latest with Roebuck?

    I have been in board room all farken day…

  • 185.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:23 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-184: you don’t understand the “dynamics”

  • 186.Gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:27 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-185:

    of course he does.

    he works in Newlands.

    He has a board room and everything.

    Now wind your neck in.

  • 187.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:28 pm

    @Gunther(gunther)-186: why would you not get the “dynamics” of

    Hip Hop
    Basketball?

  • 188.Gtown: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:29 pm

    aiaiaiaiai… to many hallelujas for my liking.

  • 189.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:32 pm

    @Gunther(gunther)-186: i know where grant works… cool your jets :lol:

  • 190.Gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:32 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-187:

    Because White men can’t jump.

    Also Rap comes from the hood.

    And we definitely aren’t allowed to know anything about that

    :lol:

  • 191.Michael: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:34 pm

    @au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir…(i_love_u_bakkiesbotha)-178: Hey hey hey no insulting the magician Bobby by comparing him to Speedo Tackler!

  • 192.Gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:34 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-189:

    good.

    then you will knolw why he understands “the dynamics” of the Newlands Ghetto.

  • 193.grant10: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:35 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-185: HUH??

    what dynamics?

    Spies is a turbo reverse coward at the best of tiimes with a heart the size of Gunthers brain…..

    Bloody disgrace this is!

    And meisiekind?

    WTF is up at the Bulls?

    H Meyer must keep farken far away from the Boks…..

    This is so farken tragic it is actually funny!

  • 194.Michael: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:35 pm

    @Transformation(Transformation)-185: Dynamics of what? How not to drive in the tackle? How to get bullied by players 15kgs lighter than you?

  • 195.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:36 pm

    @Gunther(gunther)-190: are you having fun being a stereotype? :D

  • 196.Michael: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:36 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-193: The more I think about it, the more Meyer moves away from my Bok coach wish list. Jeez, to be led by the UnHulk and Shampoo.

  • 197.grant10: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:38 pm

    LOL

    LOL

    LOL

    This is farken hilarious….

    nee wat…ek kan nie dit glo nie….my fok!!

  • 198.Gunther: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:39 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-193:

    shut you old queen.

    the only tragedy here is a menapausal old knobber like you who talks like a 13 year old schoolgirl.

  • 199.Michael: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:40 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-197:
    “Right mense, we must bash it over the gainline. Get frontfoot ball for the backs!”
    “Ok back boys, we’ll find the gaps and……..”
    Oh fok all right. I’d PAY to listen to the motivational speeches from Unhulk and Shampoo.

  • 200.Transformation: Reply to this comment
    16 Nov 2011, 16:40 pm

    @grant10(grant10)-193: @Gunther(gunther)-192: to be honest, there are no dynamics about the suburbs, each and everyone are the same :D

    the wealthier the residents the quieter and more withdrawn the people are.

    only the maevis’ and cab’s gardner bring “dynamcis” to suburbs :mrgreen:

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