Selection quandary for rampant Bulls
The result of the Currie Cup encounter between the Bulls and the Lions can go a long way in separating the contenders from the pretenders.
|||There has been little that has shaken this young Blue Bulls team this Currie Cup season, but even the most stubborn of believers within the team will know that this week will be the most challenging of their fledgling careers.
There may just be a solitary point separating the Pretoria-side from the table- topping Golden Lions ahead of their clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, but the result of this encounter could go a long way in separating the contenders from the pretenders.
So far this season, the rugby gods have been kind to the men from Loftus who have made a name for themselves with some entertaining rugby and the unearthing of new talent.
But that new talent and the entertaining brand of rugby they have been dishing out for just over a month won’t necessarily be enough to overcome their provincial neighbours as they will certainly need some experience too.
Yesterday, the Bulls got a timely shot in the arm with the return from injury of Springboks Deon Stegmann and Dean Greyling to bolster the squad and coach Nollis Marais will be sitting with a pleasant selection headache.
Just as was the case last week, Marais will have a selection poser. Does he go for experience or continue with his youthful side in such a crucial game?
Sanity would suggest that Marais takes the safer option and call on the cavalry that have the battle scars to prove their experience in such matches. But this coach has has never been one to play it safe and he will in all likelihood continue with his young brigade to a large extent.
Stegmann’s return will have a huge impact on the team as the Bulls were running thin on loose forwards and his leadership will be a precious and valuable resource. Springbok centre Jan Serfontein will also be one of those experienced players whose selection into the starting line-up is surely set to give Marais some sleepless nights this week.
Serfontein made his return to domestic rugby last week – coming off the bench against the Cheetahs – but it could count in the Bulls’ favour if they elevate the Springbok discard into a more prominent role in the starting team.
Greyling’s days in the Bulls frontrow are numbered as Marais seems certain to carry on with the combination of Pierre Schoeman, Bandise Maku and Marcel van der Merwe as they try and wrestle back the respect and superiority they once had in the scrums.
Marais will be holding thumbs that flyhalf Tian Schoeman, who has had a calf muscle injury, is passed fit while Marvin Orie (chest), Travis Ismaiel (ribs) and RG Snyman (contusion) are expected back in training today. - The Star