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Pretoria – Springbok lock Bakkies Botha has recovered from injury to hand Bulls coach Frans Ludeke a selection poser ahead of Saturday’s Super 14 match against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld.
“The Bulls are currently in a privileged position. We control our own destiny in the competition and that is exactly the goal we set at the beginning of the tournament. However, we realise that things can change quickly if you don’t do your homework and aren’t at your best every weekend,” said Ludeke.
The coach was not forthcoming with information on how he will accommodate Botha after his recovery from an operation to his heel.
“We’ll have to see. Monday’s training session should give us a better indication of how he came through the other sessions,” said Ludeke.
“Everybody wants to see him on the field. He’s one of the best there is. The good thing is that there is no need to be hasty and we can make a decision in the player’s interests.”
Ludeke was also impressed with the manner in which Chiliboy Ralepelle played for the Blue Bulls in their Vodacom Cup quarter-final against Western Province. However, he’s likely to allow the hooker to finish the Vodacom Cup campaign before considering him.
The coach was delighted with the manner in which the Bulls managed to run away with the game against the Lions in the second half.
“We have to credit the Lions. They held firm in the first half. The team-talk at half-time was about utilising the chances that were created. That is why the six tries were very satisfying. I think the first one after half-time was the crucial one as it strengthened what we had spoken about at half-time.”
Bulls captain Victor Matfield also had little to complain about.
“The Lions’ try just before half-time kept them in the game and disrupted us a little. They can score from anywhere and we first had to ensure that we built a lead of more than seven points before we could start attacking from everywhere. That rolling maul try was just the right medicine,” he said.
Other results went the Bulls’ way at the weekend, but it does not concern Matfield.
“It’s only human to look at it, but our only measure in this competition is ourselves. If we improve every week and play the way we can, we will be there come the end of the competition.”
Pretoria – Springbok lock Bakkies Botha has recovered from injury to hand Bulls coach Frans Ludeke a selection poser ahead of Saturday’s Super 14 match against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld.
“The Bulls are currently in a privileged position. We control our own destiny in the competition and that is exactly the goal we set at the beginning of the tournament. However, we realise that things can change quickly if you don’t do your homework and aren’t at your best every weekend,” said Ludeke.
The coach was not forthcoming with information on how he will accommodate Botha after his recovery from an operation to his heel.
“We’ll have to see. Monday’s training session should give us a better indication of how he came through the other sessions,” said Ludeke.
“Everybody wants to see him on the field. He’s one of the best there is. The good thing is that there is no need to be hasty and we can make a decision in the player’s interests.”
Ludeke was also impressed with the manner in which Chiliboy Ralepelle played for the Blue Bulls in their Vodacom Cup quarter-final against Western Province. However, he’s likely to allow the hooker to finish the Vodacom Cup campaign before considering him.
The coach was delighted with the manner in which the Bulls managed to run away with the game against the Lions in the second half.
“We have to credit the Lions. They held firm in the first half. The team-talk at half-time was about utilising the chances that were created. That is why the six tries were very satisfying. I think the first one after half-time was the crucial one as it strengthened what we had spoken about at half-time.”
Bulls captain Victor Matfield also had little to complain about.
“The Lions’ try just before half-time kept them in the game and disrupted us a little. They can score from anywhere and we first had to ensure that we built a lead of more than seven points before we could start attacking from everywhere. That rolling maul try was just the right medicine,” he said.
Other results went the Bulls’ way at the weekend, but it does not concern Matfield.
“It’s only human to look at it, but our only measure in this competition is ourselves. If we improve every week and play the way we can, we will be there come the end of the competition.”
