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Bulls v Newlands-Cheetahs?
13/02/2008 22:39 - (SA)
Beeld
Morris Gilbert
Pretoria - The Bulls expect the Stormers to play "Cheetahs rugby" in their Super 14 match at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.
Fourie du Preez, who will captain the Bulls as they open their defence of the title they won last year, says Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has certain strong points in his make-up.
"What worked for him when he coached the Cheetahs, will also be part of the Stormers' pattern and strategy," Du Preez predicted on Wednesday
The Bulls expect a strong challenge from the Stormers, who began making war sounds in November last year.
Du Preez agrees that the Bulls will be under pressure after winning the competition last year and beating the Stormers convincingly during the past three years.
"Fortunately, pressure usually brings out the best in us, and we're not the only team that will face high expectations."
The Bulls were aiming at retaining their title, which meant not too much value should be attached to one result, he added.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke was not paying much attention to former Wallaby wing David Campese's views that centre JP Nel could be a weak link in his team's backline.
Extra punch
"I know it's the media's job to stimulate interest in matches such as this one but the Bulls prefer not to be part of any handbag battles.
"JP is one of our most experienced backs and he knows what to do," Ludeke said.
As was expected, Ludeke has included three young Super 14 newcomers in his run-on team: Zane Kirchner at fullback, Deon Stegmann on the flank and Willem Steenkamp at lock.
John Mametsa, who takes the injured Akona Ndungane's place on the right wing, will make his Super 14 debut after playing in 90 provincial matches for the Blue Bulls.
Ludeke described Kirchner as an exciting player with the ability to lend extra punch to attacks from the rear triangle.
"Zane will be up to the challenge but this is his first Super 14 match and one should accept that he won't do everything right the first time. It's part of growing up."
The Bulls team: Zane Kirchner, John Mametsa, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez (capt), Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Danie Rossouw, Rayno Gerber, Derick Kuün, Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Substitutes: James van der Walt, Jaco Engels, Werner Kruger, Dewald Potgieter, Heini Adams, Morné Steyn and Marius Delport.
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Rugby
