Bulls play down disruption from Bok returnees

Category: Sport

Date Added: 29 July 2010

ZEENA ISAACS

Rugby Correspondent

BLUE Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has recalled his Bok big guns to save the side from a possible third successive defeat in the Currie Cup as they prepare to meet the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Four Springboks, flank Dewald Potgieter, scrumhalf Francois Hougaard, lock Flip van der Merwe and hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle were released to the team on Monday after the Tri-Nations overseas leg, and Ludeke named all four in his match 22 yesterday.

Ralepelle, who has to compete with Bulls captain Gary Botha, was the only one to be named on the bench. Hougaard was named at scrumhalf — a position he was forced to relinquish at the province to make way for star Bok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez.

Ludeke made five changes to the starting team that went down 25-23 to the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday.

The two enforced changes were at loosehead prop, where Jaco Engels replaces Dean Greyling, who is experiencing pressure on a disc in his neck, and on the flank, where Potgieter replaces hard-working Deon Stegmann, who tore a hamstring last week.

In the engine room, Juandre Kruger will earn his first start at the expense of Wilhelm Steenkamp, who drops out of the squad completely, while Van der Merwe takes over from Fudge Mabeta.

Ludeke admitted that the Bok boost had created a few tough selection quandaries. A case in point was the Bok hooker Bandise Maku, who had to give up his place on the bench for Ralepelle.

“Everyone knew that a few Boks would return at some point. So it was no surprise that some players had to make way. The positive thing is that they know it was not because of their form.”

Ludeke was not concerned that Hougaard has had very little game time at scrumhalf.

“He will make one or two mistakes, maybe more, but he is a classy player and he can bounce back. Scrumhalf is vital because you have to make many decisions, but we back him 100%.”

Asked whether it was a disruption to get a few players back for two or three weeks before they are recalled for the Tri-Nations home leg again, Ludeke said: “Definitely not. These guys were mainly on the fringes on tour, so they are hungry to play and to make a contribution in the Currie Cup. Their presence also gives us a chance to try out new combinations.”

Looking ahead at Saturday’s game, Botha admitted there was pressure on his team to win, especially after coming off back-to back defeats, but he said it was the team’s responsibility to change their fortunes. “There will always be pressure, but it is important to use it wisely in the way you prepare for a game,” said Botha. “Clashes between the Bulls and Lions are always tough and the players realise it. But the guys know what the problem areas are and we will continue to challenge ourselves to play the perfect game. The onus is on us to correct things.”

BULLS SQUAD

Jaco van der Westhuyzen; Gerhard van den Heever, Stephan Dippenaar, Stefan Watermeyer, John Mametsa; Jacques Louis Potgieter, Francois Hougaard; Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Dewald Potgieter, Derick Kuün; Juandré Kruger, Flip van der Merwe; Werner Kruger, Gary Botha (capt), Jaco Engels. Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Bees Roux, Fudge Mabeta, CJ Stander, Ruan Snyman, Francois Brummer, Hayden Groepes.

isaacsz@bdfm.co.za

Source: Business Day