Bulls 2012 preview

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke faces his biggest challenge yet and will oversee a period that will see a clear 'changing of the guard'.

New era in Pretoria

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke faces his biggest challenge yet and will oversee a period that will see a clear 'changing of the guard'. The ever-present contingent of Springboks like Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Danie Roussow, Gary Botha and Fourie du Preez are no longer there to take up arms, although Matfield has joined the coaching staff on a consultancy basis. They have also lost their highly-influential director of rugby Heyneke Meyer, who has taken over as Springbok coach. It is a nervous time for a franchise that has enjoyed so much success in recent years, although with the quality of players they still possess, all is not lost. Their success will depend much upon whether their new leaders can carry that same mantle of excellence and consistency as their predecessors. Pierre Spies, who has remained anonymous the last few seasons with regards to form, will become captain. Ludeke will be hoping that this will spur the Springbok into the form that made him such a delectable feature in their Super Rugby-winning seasons. His understudy, Wynand Olivier, will lead the backline and will provide the support Spies will need in his first season in charge. As far as decision makers go, Francois Hougaard and Morne Steyn are proven match winners and will provide this team with the direction it needs. However, steering this ship will not be as plain sailing as they have come to expect over the years. Their pack could struggle this season to impose themselves as physically as before, which could have a debilitating effect on their game plan. The Bulls are a structured unit relying heavily on a pattern of consistent attrition. Without this momentum, they might not have a 'Plan B'. However, there is still an array of talent up front, Chilliboy Ralepelle has come of age at hooker and their back row options include Springbok flankers, Dewald Potgieter and Deon Stegmann. It will be interesting to see how the Bulls negotiate this tricky period in their history, but with the depth of talent in their youth and the scattering of Springboks throughout, a mid table finish might just suffice. Prediction: 10th.
Player to watch: Francois Hougaard - with Fourie du Preez out the way for the time being, it could be the season when Hougaard establishes his claim to the Springbok No.9 jersey. Pace, skill and determination make him one of SA's most devastating backs.