Vodacom Bulls

2006 Preview

Finishing third on the Super 12 standings in 2005, the Vodacom Bulls are looking to the inaugural Super 14 with a huge amount of confidence. They are an established outfit that has undergone only minor changes in the off season.

They still have an awesome pack of forwards and their depth in this department is as good as anything that the Super 12 (predecessor to the Super 14) had ever seen.

Some will question the merits of their backline, even accusing them of being one-dimensional. But they have some of the most dangerous game-breakers in the world. Just one, Bryan Habana, is sure to keep opposing defences on their toes.

They are rated as the top of the South African sides and such claims are not without merit.

Strengths: An awesome pack of forwards, one that can really dominate and destroy opponents. Some great game-breakers and heaps of patience. They often take the game away from the opposition only in the last 10 or 15 minutes. At home they are almost unbeatable.

Weakness: Some would say they are one-dimensional and easily to counter. They also tend to be poor travellers.

Noteworthy signings: Rudi Coetzee (from the Cats), Dries Scholtz (Griquas), Trompie Nontshinga (Cheetahs), Danie Thiart (Eagles), Jaco Engels (Boland).

Noteworthy losses: Ettiene Botha (deceased), Anton Leonard (retired), Warren Brosnihan (Calvisano), Danie Coetzee (London Irish), Kees Lensing (Leeds Tykes).

Coach: Heyneke Meyer is one of those enthusiastic coaches that you just know will do well. The amount of energy he projects must infect his team. And he has a proven track record as well.

Captain: Victor Matfield has the unenviable task of taking over from stalwart Anton Leonard. Injury has kept Matfield on the sideline in the early stages of the season, but he remains a charismatic character that leads by example.

Player(s) to watch: Without doubt Bryan Habana, one of the most lethal finishers in world rugby at present. Of course you can list just about any player in the pack, but the key decisions will be made at halfback - Fourie du Preez, Derick Hougaard and Morné Steyn.

2005 Position: 3rd (beaten semi-finalists)
Best finish: 3rd - 1996 (as the Blue Bulls) and 2005 as the Bulls
Worst finish: 12th (2002, 2001, 1999)
Home Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

2006 Prediction: They are serious challengers for the play-offs again. With a bit of luck they can go all the way.

Vodacom Bulls squad: Johan Roets, John Mametsa, Akona Ndungane, Danwell Demas, JP Nel, Rudi Coetzee, Dries Scholtz, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Trompie Nontshinga, Derick Hougaard, Morné Steyn, Heini Adams, Fourie du Preez, Jacques Cronjé, Pedrie Wannenburg, Tim Dlulane, Johan Wasserman, Danie Rossouw, Adriaan Fondse, Victor Matfield, Cliffie Milton, Bakkies Botha, Francois van Schouwenburg, Andries Human, Danie Thiart, Gary Botha, Adriaan Strauss, Jaco Engels, Gurthro Steenkamp.

Schedule:

Friday 10 February: v Cheetahs, Bloemfontein 
Friday 17 February: v Brumbies, Pretoria 
Saturday 25 February: v Waratahs, Pretoria 
Saturday 4 March: Bye
Saturday 11 March: v Highlanders, Pretoria 
Friday 17 March: v Hurricanes, Pretoria 
Saturday 25 March: v Force, Perth 
Friday 31 March: v Blues, Auckland 
Saturday 8 April: v Chiefs, Hamilton 
Saturday 15 April: v Reds, Brisbane 
Saturday 22 April: v Cats, Pretoria 
Saturday 29 April: v Sharks, Pretoria 
Friday 5 May: v Crusaders, Pretoria 
Saturday 13 May: v Stormers, Cape Town