Vodacom Super Rugby
Bulls wary of Highlanders threat
2012-05-15 16:15
Johannesburg - The Bulls cannot afford to ride on last weekend's gutsy performance against the Waratahs ahead of their Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday, according to coach Frans Ludeke.
Ludeke, however, hailed his side's show of character after they clinched the match in Sydney in the dying moments of the game.
"Those last minutes, that was the first time this season that we won in such a way and they have now ascended to another level," said Ludeke.
"It brings momentum and shows that they have belief in each other and our systems.
"That match (against the Waratahs) is now history and we are finished with Australia and we now look forward to Dunedin."
The victory cemented their position at the top of the overall Super Rugby log as they left Australia behind with two victories under the belt.
Ludeke felt the Highlanders would pose a different challenge to the Waratahs match.
"At one stage they were the pace setters in the competition and are well balanced," he said.
"Their forwards are very competitive in the scrums, the lineouts and the breakdown area.
"They are also the team who have carried the ball the most and kicked the least."
The Bulls coach has recalled experienced midfielder Wynand Olivier, loose forward Dewald Potgieter and prop Dean Greyling for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Francois Venter makes way for Olivier, who was rested against the Waratahs after suffering bruised ribs.
Potgieter joined the squad on Sunday after recovering from a hamstring strain in place of the injured Deon Stegmann, who fractured his forearm.
Greyling returns to the side after missing the Waratahs clash for personal reasons and replaces Dawie Steyn.
Ludeke said the return of these seasoned campaigners would bring new energy to the camp.
He added that the youngsters who had covered for them had shown a maturity and increased the squad's depth.
"The guys came through nicely which shows some great depth for us and if we ever have another hiccup we can call on them to do the job," said Ludeke.
Flyhalf Morné Steyn will become the sixth player from the franchise to turn out in his 100th Super Rugby match.
Teams:
Highlanders:
TBA
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 CJ Stander, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling
Substitutes: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Rayno Gerber, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Arno Botha, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht