Bulls have new master plan
2006-10-15 21:54
Bloemfontein - The Blue Bulls are going to embark on a new master plan to remain at the forefront of SA rugby and to increase the lead they hold on other provincial unions.
"Before the Currie Cup final I had to read it was going to be the Bulls against the rest of the country," Bulls chief coach Heyneke Meyer said on Sunday.
"Now I can say: Bulls four-and-a-half; Rest of South Africa a half. Not bad for one union."
The Blue Bulls were the only union involved in all five provincial finals.
"We had to share the Currie Cup with the Cheetahs, but our Under-21 and Under-19 teams, the amateurs and the women were all outright champions this year.
"Add to that the achievement of our high-schools team, who were the unofficial Craven Week champions, and no one can argue that the Bulls have set the pace at every provincial level," Meyer said.
"At the same time, we also know one can only stay in front if you are aggressively pro-active.
"That is why we are having an indaba in two weeks' time where we will draw up a master plan for Blue Bulls rugby. I don't want to divulge anything about this, apart from saying there are exciting times ahead for the Bulls."
Meyer was unhappy with the draw in the Currie Cup final, but proud that the Bulls are the co-holders of the trophy.
Young players filled big shoes
"If one looks at the season in the right way, our Currie Cup team did outstandingly well. We had to do without almost all our top players. In the absence of Anton Leonard, Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez and Ettienne Botha we also had to look for a new generation of leaders.
"We had an outstanding team in the 2005 Cup final but on Saturday we lacked experience. If I counted correctly, thirteen players were in their first final for the Bulls.
"To me, the way the young players filled big shoes, was the most heartening aspect of the season," Meyer said.
"I was the first to predict that Pierre Spies would become the sensation of 2006. With the necessary polishing Hilton Lobberts can also develop into one of the best Springbok loose forwards.
"Other youngsters among the Bulls' 2006 stars were Adriaan Strauss (hooker) and Marius Delport (wing.)
"Marius has incredible potential but must start believing in himself before becoming the player he can be."
Meyer was also impressed by tighthead prop Rayno Gerber. "He was a great acquisition. With the correct training programme during the off-season, he will become a Springbok next year.
"I am equally delighted with the progress of the other props, Jaco Engels and Danie Thiart."
Meyer said the players would have three weeks off before the Bulls start their Super 14 preparations on November 6.
- Beeld