The run home: the comp gets serious

[PaarlBok]

I am still flippen moerig why they want to change a compo which works so well. Imagen a year from now about the teams just losing out. They should have evry reason to be upset feeling not all the teams playing the same opposition to get in.

 

[Blue]

I wonder if the Bulls will play a B side.

http://www.supersport.com/rugby/article.aspx?headline=Bulls%20`B%20team`%20heading%20for%20Newlands?&id=348953

Clearly I know nothing. Bulls might send a B Team although this could of course all be head games, which at this stage I think it is.

 

[cyclopath]

While I can understand the rationale for maybe playing a "B" team to save up for the finals, I seem to remember another team that tried that shit a few years back...well and truly bitten on the arse; 96 times in fact. Wouldn't they rather have their potential grand final opponent have to fly over, rather than walk up the road (figuratively, I realise Cape Town is a little way off)?

 

[Ruggo]

So close to the international season, this will be a bench mark for players to stake a claim for Bok jerseys. There's a good reason to field your top side.

 

[Blue]

So close to the international season, this will be a bench mark for players to stake a claim for Bok jerseys. There's a good reason to field your top side.

Definitely. The selectors will be at the game. Guys like Spies won't be happy with Duane Vermeulen bashing arounf and he is sitting on the bench.

I hope the Top 15 play. It will be a cracker.

 

[PaarlBok]

So close to the international season, this will be a bench mark for players to stake a claim for Bok jerseys. There's a good reason to field your top side.

Definitely. The selectors will be at the game. Guys like Spies won't be happy with Duane Vermeulen bashing arounf and he is sitting on the bench.

I hope the Top 15 play. It will be a cracker.

Nope sorry Boet,

Superrugby

Barry surprise as Bulls 'B squad' shapes up

by Brenden Nel | 10 May 2010 (14:00)

De Wet Barry © Gallo Images
It wasn’t a surprise when the Vodacom Bulls started their Monday practice without many of their regular Springbok stars. What was a surprise was De Wet Barry’s presence at the stadium.

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Barry received a call-up on Sunday, the clearest indication that the Bulls intend sending a second string side to Newlands for the final match of the season against the Stormers.

With the Stormers desperate for a victory to get them firmly in the semis, the Bulls could argue that they are technically doing South Africa a favour by trying to help ensure two teams in the semis. But there is a tinge of expectancy with the team that will go down to Newlands this weekend.

Barry’s arrival is one thing, but the rest of the team has more talent than most Super 14 franchises and could well cause a massive surprise this weekend if the Stormers are not at their best.

Barry’s inclusion will bolster the defensive effort in the midfield, and the Stormers can look forward to some of the punishment he used to deal out in the same jerseys at Newlands several years before.

The Bulls were still meeting to finalise their squad, and will only confirm the changes later in the week but the team to arrive at Newlands will look very different to the one that beat the Crusaders last weekend.

If the practice session is anything to go by, this may be very close to what the Bulls will field in the Currie Cup this season, and will be a massive opportunity for some of the youngsters involved. At least 13 stars will put their feet up this weekend and watch their teammates take on the old foe.

The Bulls are set to rest the likes of captain Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez, Morné Steyn, Zane Kirchner, Francois Hougaard, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Gary Botha, Werner Kruger, Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Wynand Olivier and Pierre Spies. In addition to this Gerhard van der Heever will not be allowed to play after being suspended for a tip-tackle.

Barry looks set to line up in the midfield with Stephan Dippenaar with Jacques-Louis Potgieter and Heini Adams the likely halfback pair. Jaco van der Westhuyzen has recovered from his calf strain and will be back in the side, probably at wing.

In the front row, Bees Roux and Bandise Maku can move up off the bench, while Flip van der Merwe will join Bakkies Botha in the second row and Pedrie Wannenburg, Derick Kuün both will play.

The Bulls have decided to reward several of their Vodacom Cup stars that won the title last weekend – with Chiliboy Ralepelle leading a group of players that includes promising youngsters Dean Greyling, Bok Sevens flyer Deon Helberg, SA under-21 captain Gert-Jan Van Velze, Okkie Kruger, Ruan Snyman and drop-kick hero Francois Brummer at the practice.

Also included in that group are two stalwarts – prop Jaco Engels and Tiger Mangweni, who are also to feature in the Newlands game.

Either way, the Bulls side that arrives in Cape Town will be hungry and keen to impress. Should the Stormers have believed a B side would be an easy game, this group will make them think again. Probable team

Tiger Mangweni; Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Stephan Dippenaar, De Wet Barry, Deon Helberg; Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Heini Adams; Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg, Derick Kuun, Flip van der Merwe, Bakkies Botha, Bees Roux, Bandise Maku, Jaco Engels.

Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling, Okkie Kruger, Gert-Jan van Velze, Ruan Snyman, Francois Brummer, Stefan Watermeyer

Pitty feel sorry for the Brutes fans around here already spending money for this match.


Regarding Orlando Stadium and the semis this from Superrugby

No semi queues at Loftus

by Brenden Nel | 09 May 2010 (12:47)

© Gallo Images
There will be none of the long queues at Loftus Versfeld for this year’s Vodacom Super 14 semifinal in Soweto.

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The Bulls have to be out of their own stadium and hand over control to Fifa ahead of this year’s Football World Cup, giving the Super 14 champions a few headaches of their own in shifting their large fan base to the Johannesburg stadium.

While ticketing options have not yet been finalised, it is likely the few public seats will go on sale through Computicket, with arrangements only having to be made for suite and season ticket holders.

The Bulls announced on their website that the details would be available soon on prices and how the tickets can be purchased.

“Due to Loftus Versfeld being evacuated to make way for Fifa, final logistics and ticketing purchase outlets will be announced as soon as possible. Season ticket holders will have first option to purchase tickets,” a statement on their website said.

“Suite owners will be allocated free tickets according to the size of their suites and will have the option of buying hospitality packages. Finer details in this regard will be communicated to the suite owners by the BBC as soon as possible.”

“The public can buy tickets through Computicket at a date to be confirmed soon.

Transport and logistics

The BBC is investigating three possible options for fans to travel to Orlando Stadium

Option one: By train with Metrorail.

Stations of departure will be confirmed, with a temporary station to be established 70 metres from the stadium.

Option two: Park and ride from SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Buses will depart from there and take spectators to Nasrec, outside of Soweto, where buses will run continuously between Nasrec and Orlando Stadium

Option three: Park and ride from Nasrec.

Around 10 000 safe parking bays at Nasrec have been booked to accommodate those wanting to travel there by car. Buses will run continuously between this venue and the stadium. This venue is ideal for those who prefer to have a boot braai before the match.

“It is important to note that there is no parking available at Orlando Stadium. Tickets for these options will be available at Computicket. This will include all train, bus, park and match tickets. Beer tents will be available at Nasrec and at the stadium. The BBC encourages and invites supporters to use these facilities and help create a special day for rugby and the Vodacom Bulls.

“Other food and drink outlets will be in operation and cater for supporters. All drop-off and pick-up points will be clearly marked and managed by crowd marshals and security. The BBC is working closely with the JMPD, The City of Johannesburg, Orlando Stadium management and other relevant parties to ensure that their fans will enjoy a safe and memorable day.”

 

[Lindommer]

But the Bulls will desparately want to put a win over the Stormers and yield a travel-weary ANZAC team for their semi...

Might've got this wrong: if the Bulls win the Stormers will probably come fourth and face the Bulls the following week, in Soweto. If the Stormers snag a losing bonus point they'll come third, but only if the Saders win.

Talk of bonus points for scoring four tries in any of these matches is fanciful. There's so much at stake (teams making 3 and 4 get, what, $75,000 each) all three will be reasonably tight. In fact I could quite easily see two losing bonus points here.

 

[JJJ]

There aren't really any compelling reasons for the Bulls to field their best side against the Stormers. If it was being played at Loftus then there'd be their winning streak to defend at least. But now there's nothing really.

What do you think the chances are that the Bulls will finish up the season having played 14 out of 16 matches (assuming they make the final) under a saffa ref?

 

[Blue]

What do you think the chances are that the Bulls will finish up the season having played 14 out of 16 matches (assuming they make the final) under a saffa ref?

Is that the number, and do you really think it has had a bearing on results? What about the Kiwi games with Kiwi refs? The Aussie teams with Aussie refs? Did those have a bearing on results.

Time for Neutral refs so we can get rid these speculations.

The Sharks / Stormers derby had a foregin ref. That's just stupid and a waste of money.

The whole system is farked.

 

[Blue]

You feel sorry for the Bulls supporters in Cape Town? Why?

I'd feel more sorry for the Stormers fans if a second string Bulls team rolls them.

 

[matty_k]

You feel sorry for the Bulls supporters in Cape Town? Why?

I'd feel more sorry for the Stormers fans if a second string Bulls team rolls them.

Aside from giving them the home semi it also makes the victory a little hollow. Bulls' fans will be able to say that you only beat our B team.

I think it is a mistake for the Bulls to do this.

Momentum is a big thing. Since the final (assuming they win the semi) is going to be played away from home I'd want to give my main team as much time together playing away.


Where is the Bulls' semi going to be played?

 

[PaarlBok]

Blou they paid money to see their heroes, Matfield vs Bekker, Stegman vs Schalk, Steyn vs Grant but now they,ll get to see three eras of Paarl Gym boys in stead ,Barry, Schalk and Duvenhage.

Anyway we,ll see if the second stringers can live with the Stormers.

 

[Scarfman]

This move by the Bulls is a pity for the Tahs and Hurricanes, and I hope it bites them on the arse.

 

[Blue]

This move by the Bulls is a pity for the Tahs and Hurricanes, and I hope it bites them on the arse.

At Newlands I would back the Stormers to beat the Bulls regardless.

It might still bite them in the arse though. The momentum thing and all that.

However, as a Bulls supporter I relish the idea of the Currie Cup tam beating the Stormers. Imagine...

 

[PaarlBok]

Well I hope the Stormers destroy them big time for devalue the compo and punish them in Soweto if we get in the final.

 

[mark_s]

I can understand why the bulls have rested so many, but I personally wouldn’t have done it especially given the bulls home semi is not actually at home. The tahs did the same thing in 2002, got spanked by the saders in the last round match that meant nothing and then put in a limp wristed finals performance.

 

[PaarlBok]

At Newlands I would back the Stormers to beat the Bulls regardless.

However, as a Bulls supporter I relish the idea of the Currie Cup tam beating the Stormers. Imagine...

Ja if this happen I'll get to the conclusion that your CC team is stronger then your S14 team, good to see Blue still have his blue Brute blood with a tit of arrogance even in Aus. :fishing

 

[Blue]

Ja if this happen I'll get to the conclusion that your CC team is stronger then your S14 team, good to see Blue still have his blue Brute blood with a tit of arrogance even in Aus. :fishing

What's arrogant about wishing your team well? You surprise even me at times.

It's good to see that you are as overconfident as you were prior to the Sharks match. That's not a half bad looking Bulls team. I have no doubt the Stormers will win.

 

[Pfitzy]

Its typical friggin collusion by the South African powers that be. A Stormers win is great for South Africa, because the Bulls have nothing to lose except momentum. Both semis are in South Africa, and two Australasian sides will have to make the long trek over there to get their arses handed to them, regardless of who they are. Then the all-South African final becomes a reality and the prize is guaranteed to stay in RSA another year.

ITS A PLOT I TELLS YE!

 

[Biffo]

Its typical friggin collusion by the South African powers that be. A Stormers win is great for South Africa, because the Bulls have nothing to lose except momentum. Both semis are in South Africa, and two Australasian sides will have to make the long trek over there to get their arses handed to them, regardless of who they are. Then the all-South African final becomes a reality and the prize is guaranteed to stay in RSA another year.

ITS A PLOT I TELLS YE!

How could anyone ever believe otherwise?

The only possible way for the Seth Effrikans to dispell the universal belief that they are in this case devious, scheming devils is for the Bulls to win the game.