The results in Cape Town have not been kind to the Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, but that won’t stop them from trying a new approach this weekend when they face the DHL Stormers in their north-south derby again.
A spate of injuries has hollowed out the pack, while Johan Goosen’s knee issues means the Bulls will head to Cape Town probably relying on the attacking prowess of Willie le Roux at flyhalf for their derby.
There is no doubt that Le Roux was integral in the side’s win at Ellis Park a fortnight ago, as he came off the bench to help turn the game in the Bulls favour and weekend reports that the Bulls are trying to renew his contract with the emphasis on him playing more at 10 seem to indicate the Bulls backline will be under the veteran Boks’ command this weekend.
The Bulls attacking game has been exceptional over the past few seasons, and Jake White has transformed them from a forward based team to one that is a threat all along the park. But while they have made two URC finals, they have failed on both occasions to overcome the last obstacle.
And while the Stormers’ season has been far from ideal for the Cape side, they still hold a significant mental advantage over the Bulls ahead of this game. There is no doubt that the results have been lopsided, even though the Bulls finally broke that streak last season at Loftus Versfeld.
The Stormers felt they missed chances on the day and while there was more relief than anything else at Loftus, the Bulls know to really bury the hoodoo they need to win in Cape Town to break another barrier.
The problem for the Bulls is the high cost that the Joburg win came with. Both Elrigh Louw - who was operated on and is expected to be out for six months - and Ruan Nortje - who also went off with a knee complaint are set to be out.
There is uncertainty over Boeta Chamberlain, who may have been injured, while Goosen is another likely to miss the clash.
The Bulls don’t release injury reports so no clarity on the injuries has been forthcoming from Loftus. Either way, it wouldn’t be too difficult to predict the Bulls will go to Cape Town without their two captains and flyhalf, meaning a new captain will need to be found. Luckily there are several candidates that can fill in if needed - with Marcell Coetzee and Nizaam Carr both likely to be at the forefront of those discussions.
The availability of Ruan Vermaak is another question mark that will determine selection for the Bulls, as he was also injured but no time frame has been given for a return. If he is not ready, the Bulls may well decide to use both Cobus Wiese and JF van Heerden for the clash, while Marco van Staden’s return will also complicate some selection decisions in the loose trio, especially if Coetzee or Carr are considered for the captaincy.
The rest of the side isn’t likely to change too much, but White will be very tempted to let Le Roux run rampant at flyhalf. The prospect of him in the hot seat is an appetising one, but the Bulls will also know that Le Roux at times has blown hot and cold, and it won’t be a surprise if the Stormers decide to target him in that channel.
Either way it is likely to be a big week out for the Bulls, and most of their decisions need to be made about how the balance of the team will work out.
Expect a few surprises, it seems, but not at flyhalf. Here it seems Le Roux may have the chance to cement the spot for himself.