Experienced Bulls have the 'X-factor'
Tue, 18 May 2010 23:26
Historic occasion: The Bulls training at the Orlando Stadium for the first time
The experience gained from appearing in major play-offs in the last few years and the 'X-factor' that a player like Jaco van der Westhuyzen brings are among the keys to success for the Bulls in Soweto on Saturday.
After his much-publicised decision to rest 14 of his frontline players for last week's 10-38 loss to the Stormers, Ludeke wasted no time pushing his best available XV into battle against the seven-time champion Crusaders in the historic first-ever rugby match at the Orlando Stadium.
Speaking to rugby365.com, after his team's first training run at the famous soccer ground in Soweto, Ludeke was happy that his charges will be up for the challenge this week.
"We have a very good team, the best available team and they are the players that have done their bit to get us into a home semifinal," the Bulls coach said.
The only player to have retained his place in the starting XV from last week is Springbok utility back Jaco van der Westhuyzen.
Although the 32-year-old Van der Westhuyzen is not universally recognised as a quality player, he remains highly regarded by the Bulls coaching staff and his teammates as a "special" player.
Van der Westhuyzen, like Gary Botha, are stalwarts of the Bulls first Super Rugby triumph in 2007 - who are back for another bite at a Final, after both missing last year's march to the Super 14 championship because of commitments to their overseas clubs.
Van der Westhuyzen, who replaces the suspended Gerrit van den Heever on the wing, has 32 Test caps and 50-odd Super Rugby matches to his credit.
"We are very happy with him, he is a seasoned campaigner," Ludeke told rugby365, when asked about the criticism sometimes levelled against the utility back - who can also play at fullback, centre and flyhalf.
"He is a very versatile player," the Bulls mentor said, adding: "He is very good under the high ball and has a very good kicking game.
"He has great anticipation and feel for the game.
"He has the x-factor ... a player who cope with the big moments and make big plays."
Ludeke spoke about the allround qualities of his team - the most experienced Bulls team fielded ever.
Fourteen of the starting line-up have won the Super 14 competition before, with the locking combination of Danie Rossouw and Victor Matfield who have both played more than a 100 matches of Super Rugby.
Matfield will play in his 100th match for the Bulls.
"These are knock-out games - a must-win situation if you want to win the silverware," Ludeke said.
"In these pressure situations you need players who have been there, who know what is required."
He added that they won't be changing their approach just because it is a semifinal or because the Crusaders may feel they have the 'blueprint' to beat the Bulls.
"The [game] plan is simple, we haven't changed anything from what we've done before.
"It is about players who can remain calm and executive the game plan."
Ludeke said he expects Saturday's game to be of Test-match standards.
"You will get very few chances, time and space will be limited. It will be like a Test atmosphere and everybody will raise their game ... no doubt both teams will be up for it, because these are the games everybody work towards the whole season."
The Bulls coach said what will turn the game is key moments - when the senior players and leaders make the right calls.
"Whether you have an early lead or trail early in the game, the key is to remain calm and continue playing for 80 minutes.
"The way to lift your game is ensure your execution is better - your focus must be on the job at hand.
"In our team it is a natural thing that has come along the last few years, when the key players lift their game for key moments."
He also said their build-up won't change much from any other game.
"There will be contact during the week, because you must have your game in place and everybody must be at ease with what you are trying to achieve.
"We have made some minor adjustments to improve our game.
"However, only from Friday and Saturday will our focus on the mental approach."
By Jan de Koning