The Vodacom Bulls must make a difficult decision about their participation in the Currie Cup. With their exit from the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, the Bulls must decide whether to focus on winning the Currie Cup or develop their younger players. This decision comes at an important time as they prepare to face the Griquas in Kimberley, a traditionally difficult venue for teams in the premier domestic competition.
The Bulls had a dismal season, finishing second-to-last in the Currie Cup. Despite having a strong coaching staff and talented players, the team has struggled to perform consistently. The Bulls are the only team in the Currie Cup’s big four that sees it as a competition to win rather than a development platform for younger players. However, the team must decide whether to stick with their current playing lineup, many of whom are past their prime, or to invest in developing younger players for the future.
Coach Jake White is faced with a difficult decision, especially given the fact that several key players, including Morne Steyn and Bismarck du Plessis, are expected to retire at the end of the season. There are also doubts about the futures of Lionel Mapoe, Cornal Hendricks, and Nizaam Carr, who have all struggled to maintain form this season. With the URC out of the way, the Bulls must decide whether to continue playing their URC stars or rest them for the remainder of the season.
Ruan Nortje is one such player, having played more rugby than any other player over the last two seasons. Nortje is in desperate need of rest and gym time to work on explosive power. White has previously stated that Nortje needs to bulk up in order to become a test-quality lock. The Bulls must decide whether to rest him for the rest of the season or keep him in the lineup in the hope of winning the Currie Cup.
The return of Marcell Coetzee to the team should help make this decision easier. Other players, however, such as Elrigh Louw, Harold Vorster, and David Kriel, have also played extensively this season and may benefit from a rest. The Bulls must weigh the risk of squad dissatisfaction against the potential benefits of bringing in URC players.
This season, the Bulls have struggled, with both Johan Goosen and Jacques du Plessis failing to make the impact that White had hoped for. Wandisile Simelane, who recently joined the team, has also struggled to find his form. White must decide whether to prioritise the development of these players or winning the Currie Cup.
There are also concerns about the team’s defensive line. Embrose Papier has found his groove, but the team must decide whether to use him or give Keegan Johannes more time to develop. Bernard van der Linde and Zak Burger are also possible candidates. With Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, and Marco van Staden currently playing for the Springboks, the team must decide who will fill their positions and who will play the poacher.
The Bulls must decide whether they have a realistic chance of winning the Currie Cup or whether it is more important to use the time to prepare for next season. The mental fatigue of the team, as well as the tournament’s permutations, will play a significant role in this decision. Finally, the Bulls must decide whether to prioritise form or development and make difficult decisions about their playing roster.
Main Image: SA Rugby magazine
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