Same again for the Bulls

Bulls coach Nollis Marais has unsurprisingly chosen the same starting XV that did the job so well in Perth for their Super Rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.

The only change to the 23 that hammered the Western Force 4220 is on the bench, where Dan Kriel replaces Dries Swanepoel as the reserve centre.

“We’ve gained good momentum so I’ve made just the one change, Dan and Dries swapping around because I’ve been rotating them every week and they can both play 12, 13 and wing.

“There are certain things we will try and improve on, but we’re getting better every game, small things are getting better every week, but it’s really just about winning,” Marais said yesterday from Sydney.

The bonus point win over the Force means the Bulls are not only sitting pretty in Africa Conference 1, just one point behind the Stormers with a game in hand, but it also highlighted the depth Marais now has as he negotiates their play-off push with the competition just over the halfway mark.

The loose trio of Lappies Labuschagne, Arno Botha and Hanro Liebenberg, with Jannes Kirsten coming off the bench, dovetailed superbly against the Force; Marvin Orie’s performance at lock was highly encouraging given that the Bulls also have the outstanding RG Snyman playing superbly, as well as rising star Jason Jenkins and the reliable Grant Hattingh in reserve; while Francois Brummer has settled in well at flyhalf, with Piet van Zyl and Rudy Paige being two accomplished scrumhalves who are good enough to have played for the Springboks.

“At the beginning of the season, we only had three loose forwards, so it’s great that there’s now healthy competition. I’ve backed Hanro because I believe in his future, Arno was brilliant at seven and Jannes had one of the highest work-rates we’ve ever recorded when he came off the bench. So to keep your place in the loose trio, you have to play to your potential,” Marais said.