Bulls are keen to get going, says Marais

THE Bulls have assembled a formidable squad which includes 12 Springboks ahead of this year’s Super Rugby campaign, which they have made no secret about wanting to win.

The young and inexperienced faces who made up the majority of the team last year have seemingly been transformed into players of championship stock, so much so that coach Nollis Marais wants to challenge for top honours.

Former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss will continue to lead the team, but in his absence due to rehabilitation from a back operation, flyhalf Handre Pollard, will captain the side in at least their first three games against the Stormers, Cheetahs and Sunwolves.

Another former Springbok Jacques Potgieter makes a return to the Bulls after leaving in 2013 to play in Japan, for the Waratahs in Australia and more recently the Sharks.

Potgieter’s experience will not only come in handy with helping the youngsters in the side but he will also provide cover at lock, a position he excelled in while at the Waratahs when they were crowned Super Rugby champions.

Namibian international and former Sharks No 8 Renaldo Bothma will get an opportunity to make his debut for the Bulls in Super Rugby along with former Stormers utility back Johnny Kotze and prop Martin Dreyer.

Boks Jan Serfontein (48) and Arno Botha (46) should reach the milestone of making their 50th Super Rugby appearances for the Bulls, with Botha set to leave the franchise at the end of the season to take up a lucrative contract in Ireland.

Marais has also selected a few Super Rugby first timers with Luther Obi, Jade Stighling, JT Jackson, Tony Jantjies, Duncan Matthews, Kefentse Mahlo, Sibahle Maxwane, Andre Warner, Shaun Adendorff, Ruan Steenkamp, Conraad van Vuuren, John-Roy Jenkinson and Corniel Els all likely to make their debuts during the course of the season.

“It is exciting times for us and we are keen to get going,” Marais said.

“A lot of the players have experienced Super Rugby last season for the first time, so they will have a much better understanding of what to expect.

“We have one or two players out with injury still, but that gives another guy the opportunity to grow and gain experience.”