Bulls unchanged for SA derby
3 Jul 2012
The Bulls have named the same match 22 that beat the Cheetahs last week for their decisive clash with the Sharks on Friday.
There was no place in the squad for flank Deon Stegmann who has recovered from injury, coach Frans Ludeke bracing for a physical contest in which he will hope the bulky loose trio of Pierre Spies, Jacques Potgieter and Dewald Potgieter will get them momentum at the gainline on attack.
The Bulls will also hope for a better return from their bench. There was a patent loss of potency when the reserves were introduced against the Cheetahs. That will have to be remedied at Kings Park in a match the Bulls will probably have to win to keep pace with the Stormers, who are favourites in their trip to Bloemfontein on Saturday.
‘We will have to be able to answer some tough questions out there,’ coach Frans Ludeke said. ‘I would like to believe that our team thrive on challenges and the bigger they are, the better we respond. This is why the guys put in the hours and hours of hard work after all. We prepared well and everyone is very keen to do well. We still have our destiny in our own hands and want to keep it like that.’
Bulls - 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies (c), 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Flip vd Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling.
Subs: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouche, 22 Francois Venter
17 Comments
3 Jul 2012, 12:47 pm
Bull Dragons.
3 Jul 2012, 13:00 pm
The problem with the introduction of the players from the bench this weekend at Loftus was the fact that the whole lot was introduced at the same time…
The synergy of the team was disrupted with so many “new” players on the field at the same time.
It did not cost the Bulls the game (they were 40 – 0 ahead), but after the reserves came on the field the Cheetahs scored 24 unanswered points. In a closer game it will cost them the win
3 Jul 2012, 13:38 pm
Good solid team. The bench is also very good.
With Alberts missing for the Sharks I think the Bulls will just take it. Buuuuttttttt the Sharks also might have Frans Steyn back for this game. Sharks might just take it. This is a tough one to call.
3 Jul 2012, 13:55 pm
The only thing that makes this team remotely ‘good’ is the even s h i t t e r the Sharks have put out! Play this team against the 2007 Bulls… OMF!
3 Jul 2012, 13:56 pm
The only thing that makes this team remotely ‘good’ is the even s h i t t e r team the Sharks have put out! Play this team against the 2007 Bulls… OMF!
3 Jul 2012, 14:01 pm
Would have had two changes;
6. CJ Stander
19. Arno Botha
Dewaldt dropping out of the 22.
Just an opinion.
Anyhow, GO BULLS..!!
3 Jul 2012, 14:28 pm
Stormers Klapped roughly the same team with their C team, so nothing special about this team. I think the sharks might just cuase an upset.. depending who will be the ref..
Jonker = Bulls victory
Kaplan = Sharks victory
3 Jul 2012, 18:29 pm
Imagine the stormers back at full strength! Can’t wait, go sharks!
3 Jul 2012, 18:47 pm
Die flou nul gaan van die vloer af eet…die flou nul gaan van verloor af weet…..nou vra jy my hoekom ek ‘liefling’ vir ‘n man sing…..
3 Jul 2012, 20:34 pm
Klink nes ‘n minderwaardige Stormer onderdteuner
3 Jul 2012, 22:55 pm
This is a do or die game for the bulls they have to win and hopefully with a bonus point,it is a big ask of this team but who knows we might just pull it off.
4 Jul 2012, 05:23 am
As a unbiased person (don’t support Bulls or Sharks), I really cannot see any way that the Bulls can take this game. The Sharks forwards (very well rested) will front up because they know that this is the absolute last roll of the dice. The Sharks back line is streets ahead of their Bulls counterparts. I cannot see a Bulls victory in this game… Sharks to take it by 10.
4 Jul 2012, 08:16 am
@Dusky(Dusky)-9: Is jy in graad vier ou seun?
4 Jul 2012, 09:52 am
6 – Pot Blou gevaar:
I agree. Dewald is not a strong enough ball carrier.
Would also like to see Francois Venter at 12 with Wynand on 13 and move JJ to the wing in place of Ndungane. Bring Serfontein onto the bench.
4 Jul 2012, 10:27 am
@diewareouboet(diewareouboet)-14:
I disagree, Dewald is the better option at 6. Condidering that it was only his 2nd game back after almost a season of injury so far.
4 Jul 2012, 10:29 am
@deonUSA(deonUSA)-12:
the sharks backline maywell be streets ahead but they’ve had trouble scoring tries and defending them.
4 Jul 2012, 12:58 pm
I do not see anywhere where we are weaker than the Sharks except the front row and Fullback(if Frans plays there for the Sharks).
I would say the home ground advantage makes it 50/50.
Anyone calling a draw for this one on SuperBru might get lucky.
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