12/02/2008 22:23

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - No one is likely to say it to JP Nel's face but legendary former Wallaby wing David Campese regards the robust outside centre as a potential weak link in the Bulls' defence.

Nel is known, and a little infamous, for his tackling prowess but Campese feels the Stormers can exploit his presence if he is selected at No 13 for the Super 14 rugby match at Newlands on Saturday.

"JP is a controversial player and he plays the Bulls' style of rugby. He goes for crash tackles but a clever player could exploit that tendency," Campese said here on Tuesday.

The Stormers and the Bulls will finalise their teams on Wednesday for their opening match of the Super 14 competition but a midfield duel between Nel and Stormers newcomer Gcobani Bobo is on the cards.

Whether the Stormers are clever enough to capitalise on the Bulls' weaknesses, is another question.

The Bulls are likely to take note of another Campese statement: "Nobody likes the Bulls."

Perform on the field

However, the Cape side, often regarded as the fancy Dans of SA rugby, also took a lashing from the sharp-tongued Campese.

"The Stormers think of themselves as a bunch of pretty boys. It's one thing to have your face on a poster but you have to be able to perform on the field."

Campese feels the Bulls, last year's Super 14 champions, are vulnerable without Springbok locks Victor Matfield, who is playing for Toulon in France, and Bakkies Botha, who is injured.

"They will lose of lot of power in the scrum and they could struggle without Botha," he says.

The outspoken Australian says the Stormers have a good coach in Rassie Erasmus and the match will be a good opportunity for the home team.

"Rassie is a very structured coach and there is a lot of talent among the Stormers. But we have not seen much of them under his coaching. They must now go out and do their thing.?

South Africa's status as World Cup champions could count against the SA teams in the Super 14," he added.

"The New Zealand and Australian teams will play even harder against the South Africans because the Springboks won the World Cup last year. They won't underestimate any SA teams now."

The Sharks will be the only SA team facing overseas opposition in their opening Super 14 match this weekend.

Dick Muir's side take on the Western Force from Perth in Durban on Friday evening. On Saturday the Stormers are up against the Bulls and the Lions play the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.