Currie Cup motivator for Bulls
Beating WP, winning title will go a long way to healing old wounds, coach reckons
THERE IS turmoil at Loftus Versfeld and winning the Currie Cup would go a long way in lifting the dark clouds that have hung over the franchise and union, according to Blue Bulls coach Pote Human.
The most successful South African franchise in Super Rugby with three titles, and the second most successful union in domestic rugby, are without a director of rugby and head coach for Super Rugby after John Mitchell walked out on them last month.
Mitchell’s departure has sparked speculation on who will take over, with the likes of Southern Kings coach Deon Davids, Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse, Western Province coach John Dobson, and former Springboks and Bulls captain Victor Matfield among those mentioned.
There are also rumours that Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus could play a consultative role in coaching the Bulls in next year’s Super Rugby competition.
To add to this, the Blue Bulls Company (BBC) stands on shaky ground as it searches for a successor to outgoing chief executive and longtime servant Barend van Graan, who retires at the beginning of next year.
Adding to the uncertainty is the unavailability of top administrators Duitser Bosman, Jacques Faul and Rudolph Straeuli to take over from Van Graan, which could leave the Bulls in dire straits as they look for an experienced administrator to captain their stricken ship.
After eight years of standing as kings of the southern hemisphere with their last Super Rugby triumph, which came a year after winning their last domestic trophy in 2009, Human believes beating Western Province and possibly hosting a Currie Cup semi-final could go a long way in seeing silverware return to Loftus.
“It would be great for the Bulls franchise to make the semis and get into the final because 2009 was the last time we won the Currie Cup,” said the soft spoken Human.
“We can make history and it is a big occasion, but we are just focussing on the process and the score will look after itself.”
While the Bulls came desperately close to winning the Currie Cup two years ago when they were losing finalists to the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, they could become title contenders again if they can break the defending champions’ unbeaten at home on Saturday.
Victory for the Bulls and a loss for the Sharks in Kimberley against Griquas could see the Bulls host a semi-final after last doing so two years ago.
The Pretoria team have featured in the last four semi-finals after missing out in 2013 and playing at home this time could be the spark they need to ignite their dream of bringing the Currie Cup trophy back home and lift the anguish, despair and pain of the past nine years.
Meanwhile, the BBC has confirmed the signing of Springbok Sevens star Rosko Specman until 2020, with Edgar Marutlulle, Johan Grobbelaar, Divan Rossouw and Franco Naude also extending their stay at Loftus for a further two years.
“Specman is definitely a quality signing for us and we look forward to his contributions as we start our preparations for next season,” said BBC high performance manager Xander Janse van Rensburg.
“His experience and x-factor will be invaluable and we are excited to see him making his mark in blue. He however now has a vital role to still play for the BlitzBoks and we wish him well there and look forward to welcoming him in January 2019.
“We are also pleased that the players already in our system are opting to recommit; this shows their belief in remaining part of the #BullsFamily. Their contributions are pivotal in building a strong squad as we have to find the balance between experience and tomorrow’s stars. With our depth, experience and quality I do believe we have what it takes to be title contenders.”