Pote Human’s team hopes to be the surprise package of the 2019 season, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Towards the end of 2018, the Bulls looked to be a franchise in trouble. After finishing 12th in Super Rugby, it was confirmed that much-vaunted coach John Mitchell would be leaving for England. Long-serving CEO Barend van Graan had already announced that he would be stepping down at the end of the year.

The process of finding Mitchell’s replacement proved to be far from straightforward. Former Bulls legend Victor Matfield first looked to be in line for the job, before opting out at the 11th hour. As a result, Currie Cup coach Pote Human was finally unveiled in December as the man to take the Super Rugby job, while the experienced Alan Zondagh was appointed as director of rugby.

The winds of change have swept through Loftus, but they will start the year in a completely new rebuilding phase. Human has a massive task on his hands, but he will be able to call on Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, who has offered his services as a consultant where needed.

Largely thanks to the compensation received from England to buy out Mitchell’s contract, the Bulls ended 2018 with a reported profit. This played a part in enabling the franchise to recruit wisely, with influential Bok loose forward Duane Vermeulen named as a new signing in November, followed soon after by the acquisition of Schalk Brits when the Stormers failed to hold on to the veteran hooker.

The Bulls have also added Blitzboks star Rosko Specman to their ranks, and it will be interesting to see what former Bok wing Cornal Hendricks can add to their cause after making a remarkable comeback from a career-threatening heart ailment.

The three-time Super Rugby champions certainly have a decent squad and a largely favourable schedule, which could enable them to emerge as a surprise package in 2019.

FORWARD TO WATCH

Lood de Jager looked in fine form during the early part of Super Rugby in 2018, before being struck down with a pectoral injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament. The 26-year-old eventually made a return to action for the Boks during the November Tests and he finished the year with a Man of the Match performance in the Barbarians’ memorable win over Argentina. It was a reminder of the class of De Jager, who would have come into 2019 determined to make up for lost time and secure his place in the Boks’ World Cup squad. After all, it can’t be forgotten that he was named the Bulls’ 2018 Super Rugby Forward of the Year despite missing the second half of the season.

BACK TO WATCH

The Bulls boast plenty of talented backline players, but it’s the prodigiously talented scrumhalf Embrose Papier who will be determined to build on an unforgettable 2018 season. The 21-year-old received the backing of then Bulls coach John Mitchell as one of three young scrumhalves in the squad last year and he grabbed his opportunity with both hands. His potential was also recognised by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, who drafted him straight into the national set-up before affording the youngster two starts on the end-of-year tour. Papier came of age with composed performances against Scotland and Wales, which will stand him in good stead before the 2019 campaign. He will once again face competition from Ivan van Zyl and André Warner for the Bulls’ No 9 jersey, but can be expected to receive plenty of game time this season.

BIG SIGNING

Duane Vermeulen will add vital experience and leadership to the Bulls’ back-row ranks, and is sure to feature prominently this season.

BIG LOSS

The retirement of Adriaan Strauss has been somewhat offset by the recruitment of Schalk Brits, but the Bulls will still miss their former skipper’s leadership and consistency.

ALSO READ: Super Rugby player transfers

PREVIOUS LOG FINISHES

1996: 3rd (semi-finalists)
1997: 8th
1998: 11th
1999: 12th
2000: 11th
2001: 12th
2002: 12th
2003: 6th
2004: 6th
2005: 3rd (semi-finalists)
2006: 4th (semi-finalists)
2007: 2nd (champions)
2008: 10th
2009: 1st (champions)
2010: 1st (champions)
2011: 7th
2012: 5th (qualifier playoff)
2013: 2nd (semi-finalists)
2014: 9th
2015: 9th
2016: 9th
2017: 15th
2018: 12th

ALSO READ: Super Rugby Fantasy Rugby Cheat Sheet

2019 FIXTURES

16 February: Stormers (h)
23 February: Jaguares (a)
2 March: Lions (a)
9 March: Sharks (h)
15-16 March: BYE
23 March: Chiefs (h)
30 March: Sharks (a)
6 April: Jaguares (h)
13 April: Reds (h)
19-20 April: BYE
27 April: Stormers (a)
4 May: Waratahs (h)
10 May: Crusaders (h)
17 May: Rebels (a)
24 May: Brumbies (a)
31 May: Blues (a)
7 June: Highlanders (a)
15 June: Lions (h)