Bulls 9, 10, 12 for Boks?

We still see it in the forums and on the chat feed: Maak al die Bulle Bokke!!!. We laugh, but maybe they have a point...

With the series won and 12 years of bragging rights regained, do the South Africans now reward form? With the bulls domination in the Super 14 do we not now reward those players who have played the best rugby consistently over the past few months with an opportunity that comes around once in a career.

Du Preez at scrumhalf, Morne Steyn at Flyhalf and Wynand Olivier at 12 were one of the best combinations, if not the best, in the toughest provincial competition in the world. Olivier was in great form for the bulls and would definitely not let the Boks down at inside centre he has also played a lot of (successful) rugby outside of Steyn and Du Preez; can you imagine if they click in the final test against the British and Irish Lions? We could see the kind of scintillating rugby we saw in the semis and finals of the Super 14.


Jaque Fourie should be back at outside center, after he showed that he is one of the deadliest finishers in the world with his match winning try against the Lions last Saturday. It would also be a good occasion to give Zane Kirchner his first test, with Steyn as insurance on thee bench, it would be wise to give him some game time before a long and grueling tri-nations series. If Frans Steyn gets injured the Boks will be in a slight bit of trouble without an understudy.

The forwards should stay the same, with thee exception of Brussow and Muller, who come in for Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha respectively. Both are out for foul play int the second test in Pretoria. With the possible inclusion Chilliboy Rallapelle being a step towards a well rounded and match squad for the tri-nations starting in just a few weeks time.

Whatever the selectors decide the third test should still be a tough outing for the world champions and a 3-0 scoreline will be the only thing on their minds. Expect more running rugby this weekend and maybe a few more tries...till Saturday: peace and enjoy!

sgr