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Form from 2007
The Bulls had a bit of a hard start to this years SSuper 14 but ultimately came through it to become South Africa's first Super champions. Having made the finals for the last 3 years it was this one that they went all the way. With many Bulls players in the World Cup winning squad, the Bulls couldn't be in much better form. On the domestic front the Bulls were knocked out of the Currie Cup semi-finals by their arch-rivals the Cheetahs to prevent Pretoria the treble that was on offer this year. The big question is can they do it again next year?
Comings and Goings
2008 sees the devastating loss of both the Bulls 2007 captain and vice captain. Hooker Gary Botha and lock Victor Matfield are both off to Europe and formed the premier line-out pairing in the Super 14. The loss of a key weapon in their line-out is added to a loss of leadership and experience that won't easily be replaced. Their absence from the Bulls makes the tight five far less intimidating. Young lock Wouter Moore comes in to the squad to replace Matfield.
The only notable backs depature is that of Johann Roets. Roets has been around South African rugby for a long time and has finally decided to go out on a win. As the Bulls have dominated age grade rugby in South Africa there are plenty of talented options available as a replacement. The Bulls have three new recruits capable of playing fullback.
Keep an eye on
After leaving the rugby radar altogether in 2007 a lot of people will be disappointed if they don't see big things from Chiliboy Ralepelle. As well as having a name that makes him sound like a super heroes' sidekick, Chiliboy was the first black player to captain the Springboks (admittedly in an uncapped test). Injury saw him take no part in top level rugby this year but he will be back and will perhaps live up to all the hype that surrounded him in 2006. At 22 he is young and dynamic and should turn some heads. I look forward to seeing a Ralepelle v Faingaa show down should both players be fit when the Bulls and Brumbies play off.
It isn't often I would say a Springbok back is very entertaining to watch but I think most people would make an exception for Fourie du Preez. For the last two or three years du Preez has been the best half-back in the world and has been magical behind the Springboks and Bulls monster packs. It wouldn't suprise me to see him as captain of the Bulls with Matfield and Botha gone. You can be guaranteed that, fit and healthy, Fourie du Preez will win games for the Bulls.
Prospectus for 2008
I don't think many people expected the Bulls to win it in 2007. I don't think many people expect them to make the finals next year either. While only two players, Matfield and Botha's departure takes the shine off the squad. A team like the Bulls who have a big pack and unimaginative backs always need a highly competitive set piece in order to win games. Pressure leads to penalties and tries. But a key element of the Bulls success over the last three years has been a line-out and kicking game that keeps the pressure on by keeping their opponents pinned in their half. With the Bulls there seems to be a bit of a habit that when they crack they crack wide open. While they still have an excellent backrow the rest of the squad just isn't imposing enough and with a few key injuries they are likely to keep Steenkamp, du Preez and Spies out of the opening rounds they aren't likely to start well. I can't see them doing much better than 8th.