/ 16 January 2008

Bulls benefit from Eddie’s input

The one-and-a-half-day visit of Eddie Jones to the Bulls was worthwhile — and the Super 14 champions have learnt a lot from it.

Bulls forward coach Pote Human and the franchise’s new captain, Fourie du Preez, were unanimous in their view that the former Brumbies and Wallaby coach had lots to offer the Bulls.

”He didn’t coach as such,” said Human. ”Eddie rather had a look at our structures, watched our backs and also our scrums and line-outs, and he discussed some aspects with us, warning us that the other sides would be watching our style of play, as they did in the great years of the Brumbies and the Crusaders.

”He also emphasises skills training.”

Human, however, said that the Bulls would not be following the suggestions made by Jones immediately.

”We have a new coach and a good lot of new players. We’ll first stick to what we know, and then gradually implement what Eddie has suggested insofar as that relates to our game plan.”

Du Preez, who as a World Cup-winning Springbok had much to do with Jones when he assisted the Springboks after being invited by Bok coach Jake White to do so, was equally full of praise for the former Wallaby coach, who is now a consultant to Saracens in England and will coach them next year.

”He just has this knack of spotting which line to run and to convey it to the players,” Du Preez said.

The Bulls and Saracens have agreed that Jones would pay another two visits to the Bulls during the Super 14 campaign.

Du Preez said that the Bulls were confident of doing well in defending their Super 14 crown. ”It is a very tough competition, but we’ll do our best.

”The new guys have slotted in well, and new coach Frans Ludeke has kept to what we know in coaching us thus far, only emphasising a few aspects he felt we could improve upon.” — Sapa