Leeds star Scott Mathie casts his eye over the chances of South Africa's Super Rugby sides.
Leeds star Scott Mathie casts his eye over the chances of South Africa's Super Rugby sides...
Leeds scrum-half Scott Mathie knows better than most about the high-intensity life playing rugby in South Africa.
Having been born in Durban, the 28-year-old had two spells playing for the Sharks - sandwiching a stint with the Bulls - before he moved to England.
And ahead of the new Super Rugby season, Mathie casts his eye over the chances of the five South Africa franchises bidding for glory in this season's new-look format...
Bulls
The Bulls are the reigning champions of Super Rugby and have won the title three times in the last four years, including a record 60-17 final drubbing of the Chiefs in 2009. They are the in-form team in the competition and will no doubt be amongst the favourites to win it again.
Over the years the Bulls success has been established around their team's home form. Based in the South Africa's Capital city of Pretoria, the Bulls are unbeaten at Loftus Versfeld for over two seasons of Super Rugby. This owes much to the fervent support they receive from the Blue Bull faithful, who regularly pack out the 51,000-seater stadium. What faces the opposition when exiting the tunnel is an array of painted blue faces screaming local Afrikaans songs, fuelled by their local elixir of brandy and coke. Loftus is a fortress for any touring team. Add to that the altitude factor and you already have yourself a potent formula for success.
Since Heyneke Meyer's tenure as coach, the franchise has seen a considerable change in fortunes, as he led them to a barrage of Currie Cup titles and their coveted first Super Rugby title in 2007, in what was Super Rugby's most thrilling finale. Since then Meyer has moved upstairs into the director of rugby position - after a brief stint at Leicester - with Frans Ludeke appointed as the new head coach. This accruement has proved genius as Ludeke has led the team to consecutive final victories against the Chiefs and the Stormers respectively.
The Blue Bulls have always opted for size as a pre-requisite for being a forward, and the nurturing and acquisition of these massive assets have brought success to the decision makers behind them and in turn to the franchise itself.
Their powerhouse of a pack, led by their captain Victor Matfield, and accompanied by his companion Bakkies Botha, have become arguably the greatest second-row pairing of all time. They are the catalyst to front foot ball, as Matfield delivers from the line-outs and Botha at the rucks, the halfbacks are allowed to dictate play at their will.
Fourie du Preez and Morne Steyn are the incumbent half-back pairing for the Bulls and South Africa, and in them they often find perfection. Both astute tactical kickers with sublime passing and running ability can wreak havoc when provided with quick ball, and will no doubt be targeted by numerous oppositions throughout the season. For the Bulls, they will hope that du Preez has recovered fully from his 9 month shoulder injury and can find the form that has made him the best scrumhalf in the world.
The Blue Bulls have recruited very few players in the close-season opting rather to promote from within. The only noticeable change is the introduction of Springbok flyer Bjorn Basson who joined from the Griquas.
This introduction of youth indicates a firm belief in the capabilities of these young players, many who have already proven themselves in this year's Currie Cup campaign. Look out for the likes of outside centre Stephan Dippenaar and prop Dean Greyling.
The Bulls have the perfect combination of experience and youth, and if they can negotiate the tricky tours down under, where they have dropped most of their points in previous seasons, then expect them to once again be the team to beat in this year's competition.
Star man - Fourie du Preez: The Springbok playmaker has missed the last nine months due to a shoulder injury, but given the platform he receives from his pack, expect him to be back to his best in no time. Possessing an all-round masterful game, he combines accurate passing, astute kicking, sniping breaks and tactical know-how to enforce his will on the game. The best in the game, and will be very hard to stop.
Young player to watch - Gerhard Van den Heever: Had the unenviable task of following in Bryan Habana's shoes after the Springbok ace left for the Stormers last year. However, has proved himself more than capable, scoring eight tries so far in Super Rugby. Missed out a fair amount of last year due to injury, but expect the winger to show more of his blistering pace this season which could give him an outside chance of obtaining a World Cup spot come the end of the year.
