Stransky: The Bulls will fade

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Joel Stransky believes the Bulls will not have enough firepower to go all the way in the United Rugby Championship this season.

The team from Pretoria, who fell short in last season's Final against the Stormers. are currently third in this season's standings with six wins from their eight games.

During a URC media round table this week, Stransky was asked for his thoughts when it comes to title contenders from South Africa.

"I still think the Sharks will be a massive threat," said the former flyhalf.

"I understand all their big names will be on the bench this week. I think they will have the most expensive bench in world rugby this weekend.

"They will bring back all those players as quickly as possible because they want to do well in the URC and have a good run in the Heineken Cup [European Champions Cup] as well.

"At full strength, they will be difficult to beat.

"For me, the big flaw they have in their squad is their decision-makers.

"The Sharks will be strong because they will have a massive pack of forwards. They will have Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Thomas du Toit and Ox Nche.

"They will have a strong midfield; they will have speed out wide and they will have a good scrumhalf when they are back to full strength.

"I still think they will be a great force, but you can never discount the Stormers. They got all that attacking flair and decision-makers so they will be a great force."

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On the Bulls, Stransky says they will feel the loss of Marcell Coetzee.

Coetzee is currently in Japan with the Kobe Steelers preparing for the upcoming Japan League One season. He will return to the Bulls once his commitments with the Steelers are done.

"I think the Bulls will fade a little bit," said Stransky.

"They have no Marcell Coetzee, which is a big loss for them.

On the Lions, Stransky added: The Lions are just one of those teams that are grinding out great results, but they are a team that doesn’t have any big stars.

"They are just a real strong collective. I am not sure if that is enough to go the distance."

@rugby365com