The Greatest Bulls Super Rugby Team of All Time

With the Vodacom Bulls on top of the rugby world again in South Africa, we took a trip down memory lane and picked our greatest Bulls team in Super Rugby from 1996 - 2019. We looked at players who played most of their rugby at the Bulls. We know this will open a lot of debate, but this is OUR dream team.
Who would you have picked?
Enjoy and thanks for watching!

[@divad8727]

I’m a huge Pollard fan but when it comes to the greatest Bulls super rugby team, it’s Morne for me. Morne was a points machine. He punished any team that gave away penalties within 60 meters 🤣

[@RealRugby]

Trust me, as a Bulls fan, it was torture not picking Morne. I just liked how Pollard always played quite flat and I think he could unlock that backline a little better. Morne the better kicker by far

[@d-stroyer6888]

@@RealRugby Morne the far better kicker and leader and better tactician...Pollard the better player and faster and stronger

[@michaelfourie624]

Sound

[@bluehar5505]

I will admit that during their period of dominance I had a love/hate relationship with Steyn. When he was switched on he was truly something else, but when he was having an off day, oooh boy! The other thing that irked me about Steyn was that he rarely had the range to kick out and instead of slowing the game down at crucial times he gave the opposition an attacking platform from broken play and the Bulls struggled to defend that at times. Pollard was really unlucky to come up at the bulls during a time we lost all of our legends and were rebuilding. He was hands down one of the very few absolute standout players at the Bulls during that time. He is a world class flyhalf and one of the GOAT players, evidence of his ability is clear as he's been a crucial part in the Boks setup for more than a decade now.

[@faampie]

Agree 100%. The impact he had on the team's success was enormous.

[@Wildlife_SA.]

That Spies try in the S14 semi final in 2009 against the Crusaders was epic! Loftus exploded! The Bulls were behind by like 15 points in the first half, and suddenly the team created 10 minutes of madness before half time and took lead and never looked back! What a match that was, and the best part was Richie McCaw and his mates eating humble pie for a change! 👍

[@jimmy-dt3tl]

Personally I'd go for morne steyn at 10, he still is doing awesome for bulls up until today, and doesn't look like slowing down. Pollard probably is better all round, but for blue bulls, steyn is just a legend.

[@d-stroyer6888]

Agreed M Steyn is a legend of rugby and one of the greatest fly halfs of all time and such a good leader and great at reading a game

[@jacquesqtn]

Spies was an animal in this era!

[@bkj3845]

The Victor, Bakkies and Pierre era was indeed a very good time for the Bulls and SA rugby, they were unstoppable!

[@georgedouglas3930]

What a strong XV! I pick Wynand for 13, Morné for 10, Wannenburg for 6. (I love Joost but in the point of SR Bulls, Fourie is a BEST SH)

[@RealRugby]

It was really difficult to pick between certain players. Was impossible to pick between Steyn and Pollard, I just felt that Pollard could unlock that back line a little better than Steyn. Olivier is an all time legend at the Bulls, again,I might have been biased as I'm a huge Snyman fan. Both will do the job

[@Cybernum2]

Definitely agree with Morne and Wynand.

[@armandpretorius3378]

@@RealRugby agree with Wynand but I think Pollard edges past Steyn. So difficult though. I'm glad du Preez was picked. He's one of the best SH of all time

[@RealRugby]

@@armandpretorius3378 Really wanted to pick Joost, but he always seemed to be injured during S12. The only real full seasons Joost played was in '96, '97, '01 and '03. Fourie did more in Super Rugby and was just brilliant

[@RealRugby]

@Andre Pretorius there you go, problem solved!

[@Joey-ee4hz]

When Rugby matches were full of supporters.

[@armandpretorius3378]

Make a video compilation of Hugh Bladen's "UNBELIEVABLE!". That voice is forever imprinted in my memory

[@RealRugby]

Not a bad idea...

[@mathysbeeslaar]

2009.....definitely one of the best teams ever to wear the Light Blue jersey, that specific team / group of players will always be remembered in the Jacaranda City...not even to talk about that final against the Chiefs!

[@Joey-ee4hz]

So much nostalgia in one video! Great video!

[@RealRugby]

Thanks Joey! Thanks for the support 🤟🏻

[@arthurclover5990]

there is no #8 faster like a look forward then Pierre Spies , I don't care who need an argue but Spies was a beast and fast number 8

[@Saiyan4eva]

Pierre Spies was an absolute beast and a weapon to say the least... was my favorite Springbok back then along with Habanna but sad he never really reached his potential in the Boks jersey

[@HenryDube72]

@@Saiyan4eva why didn't they play him between 11 to 15? He would've excelled there in my view.

[@sakabula1285]

@@HenryDube72 You mean for the Boks or Bulls??

[@HenryDube72]

@@sakabula1285 both even though I know the Springboks were filled with options.

[@sakabula1285]

@@HenryDube72 Probably just because of the power he brought to the scrums or his height in the line outs..another option as a jumper..Could even be just to have him more involved in the game rather than having him stand out on the wing

[@phoenixrising427]

Not sure about the selection, soooo many Bulls players can be selected though. Spies, what a talent

[@Anonymous-xl9pq]

Wasted talent. Had so much potential. Pity the Boks didn't use him correctly. Could have been one of the best players in history.

[@ashwilliams7200]

Bonjour, tu fais un travail phénoménal de recherches et de montages, merci pour ton super boulot, c'est toujours un plaisir de regarder tes vidéos je découvres plein de choses grâce à toi.

[@EllliotJackRussel1]

I remember that Wynand Olivier tackle, but not that it was on a big front-row. Brilliant stuff.

[@wanaheda]

The intro alone gave me chills.

[@teebrinner5939]

Oh okay ...

[@achilles8397]

@@teebrinner5939 what's the purpose of you here?

[@westscotindex8972]

Super 14 only lasted 5 years, the Bulls won 3 of the 5 Super 14 Championships.

[@lermanmisha2717]

🌏🍄😂😋регби по Английски,:

[@jacocoetzee8603]

@@lermanmisha2717 asks for your bitcoin wallet password

[@munandenz6000]

This team Was good enough to compete in test Rugby

[@chrisza9782]

The last time the Bulls could beat the Crusaders like that, my phone had an aerial

[@daniedanie7332]

If you choose F d Prueez at scrummie ahead of Joost, you must choose Joost ahead of Hougaard at Wing. Rest I agree. Doesn’t matter if Joost was used less at wing, He is a Legend of the Game, even if he Played wing.

[@Cybernum2]

That Habana try at 9:49 was brilliant, remember sitting near the corner on the east stand where he scored, did it twice in a row!

[@sakabula1285]

Why Habana ever went to the Stormers is still a mystery

[@joneh9483]

@@sakabula1285 heres a clue. It rhymes with honey

[@sakabula1285]

@@joneh9483 Then he should have gone to Europe or Japan

[@Wildlife_SA.]

@@joneh9483 Actually it wasn't for money. He earned a whack at the Bulls! He said he'd achieved everything at the Bulls including the Currie Cup (which eluded him in 2005, when he cost the Bulls the game at Loftus with a penalty almost on full time and the Cheetahs won...) so after he won all the trophy's at the Bulls he said he'd like to play where his own people live, the Coloured people in the Cape, because they'd also supported him. This interview with him was in the Pretoria News or Beeld at the time.

[@contrarian717]

A great thumbnail. Shows confidence, youthfulness, energy

[@schanb6327]

Great compilation. Morné Steyn at 10 for me though. Consider his all over contribution edges him past Pollard for now. 3 SR titles with some record team scores inbetween belies the label as a kicking 10 only. Olivier at 13 definitely. Ruben is the emotional choice at 6 but lest not forget the warrior Deon Stegman. Did he ever finish a game without blood streaming down his face? At a time when Heinrich Brussow was hailed as the best 6 in the world Steggies often put him to shame head to head.

[@RealRugby]

It's always subjective these types of things. I could have picked two players in each position. Records and titles aside, I just think Pollard was a more all round player. Steyn had a better team around him, but both deserve to be there

[@henricovanderwalt4851]

10 morne steyn

[@ogkevin6511]

Im in love with this channel please keep grinding success will come!

[@RealRugby]

Thanks mate! I'm glad you like the content. There is plenty more to come. Thanks for the support!

[@waynevanjaarsveld8454]

Great work as always. I have been in radio and audio production for a few years. If you ever want to add some VO to these and make it more of a documentary style. Let me know.

[@RealRugby]

Thanks Wayne, appreciate it. Drop me a mail with your contact details please - [e-mail]

[@Alexandermeister]

Good choice of Etienne Botha at for 12. Regtig hartseer to this day, he had genuine Springbok potential, yet another tragic loss of life and a great career cut short on SA's treacherous roads.

[@nicolaasvanderkruk5029]

The love from the Australian commentator for Steenkamp is beautiful. Also it's hard not to choose Bulls from their period of dominance during the late 2000's.

[@sakabula1285]

Alongside Richard Bands...Steenkamp one of my fav props ever

[@PooOnF1re]

That Bulls team that won in 2009 could have beaten the All Blacks that year.

[@HenryDube72]

Springboks should've went on to win the 2011 World Cup with the group of players.

[@xolamzimqhayi6796]

@@HenryDube72 True but the Referee said "No this year" against Australia

[@HenryDube72]

@@xolamzimqhayi6796 Bryce Lawrence lol

[@coolstorybro2703]

Bulls won in 2010 as well but boks lost all 3 to NZ

[@coolstorybro2703]

@@HenryDube72 SA got smashed by NZ by 40 😂 SA was never gonna win it. Yous lost 😴

[@pelekirokovadaa1139]

A lot of tough, physical specimens in that great team.

[@melissajacobs5716]

I love blue bulls team very much but my favorite player is Derick Hougaard and it will always be that way for me 😁

[@sqobamhlungujackson4786]

Very pleased with Francois Hougaardt at 14, i was always annoyed that they never moved him back to 14 as his spell at 9 was not as effective or as good as at 14. I know he always wanted to play 9 and groomed for Du Preez's replacement, but we needed to see him play a lot more at 14, world rugby was deprived of his abilities once he moved to 9.

[@timobrown4907]

The days before our best players had to seek greener pastures abroad.

[@phutipooe8760]

I could make a bulls b-team from the same squad & they would still beat any other Super14 team… players like Derick Kuhn aren’t even mentioned *smh

[@robertjan002]

This Bulls team would have beat a lot of National teams.

[@reinhardtherrmann5485]

And the bench would be Liza Gqoboka, Derick Kuhn, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Duanne Vermeulen, Joost van der Westhuizen, Morne Steyn, Wynand Olivier if we have 7 subs

[@RealRugby]

I like it!

[@phillipjswanepoel8044]

Gr8 pick. Will change 1 or 2 of them, but then you selected my second choice.

[@RealRugby]

These things are always subjective. It's just my opinion,but I reckon this team could have done some damage

[@mangashu911gt]

Excellent video. Have you perhaps by any coincidence come across the incident where JP Nel clothslines Aplon and get a yellow card when going through old footage? Been looking for that for years

[@Saiyan4eva]

Great Bulls side now put that team up against a best Crusaders team of all time or a Blues team that be absolute fireworks....👊🏽💪🏾✊🏾

[@RealRugby]

It's in the works...

[@sakabula1285]

If they play at Loftus..Saders got no chance

[@Saiyan4eva]

@@sakabula1285 Saders got a pretty good record playing overseas this is why they are 10X Super rugby Champions and the most successful club team in history

[@sakabula1285]

@@Saiyan4eva True...but we did beat them at Loftus in that semi final in 2009...

[@sakabula1285]

@@Saiyan4eva No let there be no misunderstanding....Saders by far the best SR team

[@GetBodied_v]

i'd pick Morné Steyn at 10 over Pollard, he was so good while playing with Du preez

[@HenryDube72]

Agreed, he did more for the Bulls during his time. I reckon Pollard made the list based on recent World Cup fever.

[@RealRugby]

Fair comment. Both brilliant players. I just felt that Pollard is a better attacking flyhalf and could do damage with those outside backs

[@jln115]

@@RealRugby Morne has won 3/4*(if you count SR unlocked) super rugby titles and 3 Currie Cups......................Handre Pollard has not won a single trophy with the bulls, and even though I still think Pollard is a better player than Morne ever was, it is certainly hard to go against stats,

[@RealRugby]

@@jln115 I hear you, but its a team sport. Morne played with one of the best provincial sides in history. The TEAM won those titles although Morne played a huge part. Pollard never had that amount of talent around him and still stood out head and shoulders in average Bulls teams. Again, they both probably deserve to be there, I just think Pollard is a better runner/distributor and although he doesn't hold all the records, he's probably the better all rounder between the two. That's why I picked him. Morne would have done the job as well though

[@lifeOFzeff]

Spies was an animal on the field

[@AyatollahBanana]

I'd have Kees Lensing at loosehead and Anton Leonard at no8. Anton would also be captain. Blindside flanker is a bit tricky but maybe it has to go to Wannenberg. Honourable mention then to Jacques Cronje but didn't he play no8 alot? So he misses out. Danie Roussow covers lock from the bench. Every game I saw JP Nel play he put in 100% effort and got almost no recognition for it. So he gets my 13 slot.

[@RealRugby]

All great players. Could easily have picked two legends in each position

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

Maybe the greatest Super Rugby team ever

[@Anonymous-xl9pq]

If the Boks used Spies in the way the Bulls did (open play), there's no doubt in my mind that he could have been one of the greatest players of all time. He's the most athletic rugby player in history. "As of 2009, Spies could power clean 135 kg, dead-lift 240 kg, bench-press 165 kg and do pull-ups with a 50 kg weight between his legs. 1.4m box jump" And those are all conservative numbers as he didn't want to injure himself by going for one rep max's. Oh, and add to that the fact he ran the 100m in 10.7 seconds (same as Cheslin Kolbe)

[@gregorysmith6161]

Forgot the part when Handre Pollard won 3 Super Rugby titles with them instead of Morne Steyn...silly me.

[@RealRugby]

Does winning titles make you a better player? Lomu, Culle, O' Driscoll and many other never won a World Cup, they must have been shit then...

[@OriginalVenomZA]

Personally I think you've not used the most effective clips for Ettiene. Alot of people chooses Wynand and he was good, but he was in my opinion the second behind Ettiene. Its like you've chosen Fourie above Joost, I know, its a hard choice to make. Also can you perhaps do this for the other SA teams as well, and maybe the SA team?

[@OriginalVenomZA]

Also, as if no one cares, Snyman played for ages, not just 3years. The man was a F'n slaughter house when it came to defense, and off-fense he was flash him-slef. This vid is getting way too little traction in my opinion. These were the best days of modern rugby.

[@randallsmith525]

What is the intro song?

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

9:40 best individual try of all time

[@WalterWhite-ln7fs]

Greatest try I’ve ever seen consider the quality of opposition... something really special .

[@dariuslabuschagne142]

💪🏻

[@sakabula1285]

Joost or Fourie...nearly impossible to choose Great vid but one huge mistake...Morne Steyn should be there

[@frankdupreez6186]

Agree except Naas at 10 and Uli at 2

[@RealRugby]

When did Naas and Uli play Super Rugby for the Bulls?

[@oraclis4892]

A few coaches had Joost and Morne available but did not choose them. They all regret it. Unless you really mean “of all time” then Naas and Frik du Preez must be there, I am sure there is a law about that...

[@HenryDube72]

I don't believe I've seen this try in any of the Bryan Habana highlights reel on KZbin and I've looked up plenty 9:20

[@RealRugby]

Yeah, we've unearthed a couple of gems recently. You won't find that clip anywhere else. We are in the process of doing the most comprehensive Bryan Habana tribute on KZbin

[@HenryDube72]

@@RealRugby my notifications are on 👊🏾

[@NPC6061]

I used to hate the Bulls during 07 to 10, they beat the Sharks and the Stormers

[@sakabula1285]

Then you must hate us now as well😉

[@ainsleyspongebob2877]

Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Bryan Habana eesh

[@michaeljacobs654]

Morne definitely the best Super Rugby 10 the Bulls ever had. Naas best in Currie Cups

[@HenryDube72]

4:44 that was certainly forward.

[@Cybernum2]

Only looked forward, came of a Crusader's hand, TMO looked at it for ages.

[@Franaman]

Wanneer ek okal verlang na huis kyk ek die, en laat my dink wat 'n kultuur ons is in Suid Afrika. Go Bulle!

[@pablonush4261]

Best bulls fly half is more steyn

[@RealRugby]

Yup, many people feel that way, I have a different opinion

[@plutoniumnitrate1201]

Habana in his prime vs kolbe is no contest......kolbe quick but I think it's fair to say that habana is quicker

[@jacquesroux7362]

Pollard oor Morne Steyn en Du Preez oor Joost? Is jy jags?

[@RealRugby]

Joost het minder as 5 volledige seisoene Super Rugby gespeel omdat hy baie keer beseer was. Fourie het in 8 seisoene 3 keer Super Rugby gewen. Nie jags nie, ken net my rugby. Plus, opinies verskil. Wat maak jou reg en my verkeerd? Net jou opinie

[@breathe751]

Great team. Morne at 10. Pollard was often injured. Wynand Olivier at 12. Nyakane at 3.

[@RealRugby]

All great players. Was so difficult to choose between everyone over 20+ years. I could probably pick a "B" team that will beat this team...

[@markusracing6066]

Pls pls pls pls do Stormers

[@RealRugby]

Already done!

[@CRVENAZVEZDA-wn1ws]

🏉🏉🏉

[@lermanmisha2717]

Регби класс

[@Theogmrpieman]

Hou by die blouu!!!

[@davidjones272]

Didn't joost play for the bulls?

[@RealRugby]

Yes he did

[@Christian_1980]

Joost was no Fourie du Preez.

[@CRVENAZVEZDA-wn1ws]

🔴⚪🔴⚪🔴⚪

[@tawandacollen]

Ndungane over Francois hoggard at 14

[@RealRugby]

Yeah, it was a close call. I just thought Hougaard was a little bit more dynamic, but Akona was a fantastic finisher. We are almost done with a tribute to him, so watch this space :-)

[@sakabula2357]

Polly over Steyn????Nah

[@RealRugby]

At the time I made the video I had very strong feelings about this, but I am man enough to admit when I am wrong. I should update this and include Steyn

[@matthewcarelse5444]

Why is the intro always so long

[@RealRugby]

KZbin has a skip/forward functionality. You are welcome to skip past it

[@dcdean9664]

Wynand Olivier at 13 Pedrie Wannenburg 6

[@achilles8397]

I loved Wynand don't get me wrong he was one of my favorite players that time but i prefer the squad he chose here i mean the centers

[@EllliotJackRussel1]

I disliked this video because you can't pick Pollard over Morné Steyn. That is outrageous.

[@RealRugby]

Its just an opinion. I'm sure I'm allowed to think differently about a player than other people? Don't see anything outrageaous about it. I think Pollard is a better all round player and always stood out in average Bulls teams. Steyn was fantastic, but also played in the best Bulls sides. Outrageous would have been to pick Hougaard...

[@EllliotJackRussel1]

@@RealRugby Pollard is much better all-round player than Steyn, no question. But Morné has been more influential than Handre to me. Even Bakkies picked him in his dream team.

[@RealRugby]

@@EllliotJackRussel1 cool, and that's how you see it. No issues with that 👍🏻

Good team but not the best. Joost was better than Fourie. Naas still best on 10 for more than kicking, decision making and when he was younger also a very good runner. And Johan Heunis on 15. Then of course Uli Schmidt at 2. Also think we had a bunch better than Danie Rossouw.

[@RealRugby]

Yes, because Naas, Uli and Johan Heunis all played Super Rugby... I should have picked Frik du Preez, Thys Lourens and Mof Myburgh as well then

@@RealRugby I missed the "super" part as "super rugby tournament" only. In that case it's a good team, I will still replace Danie with either Dewalt Potgieter or Pedrie Wannenburg... I think he had some outings in 7.

[@manofvalour6982]

Johan Roets was way too predictable. He had everything a world class 15 had except that was his downfall.

[@faampie]

I can't believe Wynand Olivier didn't make this selection.

[@chrisreynecke3129]

Moet verskil op n paar wat julle beslis verkeerd het: 15 Johan Heunis 10 Naas Botha 7 Theuns Stofberg 6 Frik du Preez 2 Uli Schmidt

[@RealRugby]

Watter jare het Johan Heunis, Naas Botha, Theuns Stofberg, Frik du Preez en Uli Schmidt Super Rugby gespeel?

[@Konst_Abel]

Too many selections here that I don’t agree with. As a life long bulls fan some of these are downright puzzling. So the greatest right wing the bulls ever had is a scrumhalf? We had a World Cup winner at 14 for the bulls in Akona Ndugane but sure, the scrumhalf is the best 14 we ever had. Frikkie Welsh is another I would have picked ahead of Hougaard. Some of the other selections I don’t agree with simply comes down to personal taste I guess but stating that a scrumhalf is our best no 14 ever is insulting to a number of great players that donned that jersey.

[@Konst_Abel]

15. Zane Kirchner (Roets 2.0) 14. Akona Ndugane/Bjorn Basson (either were unmatched under the high ball on the chase) 13. JP Nel (deadly on attack and a brick wall on defense) 12. Ettiene Botha 11. Bryan Habana 10. Mornè Steyn (Got all the trophies and records to back him up) 9. Fourie du Preez 8. Duane Vermeulen (the ruck inspector has got nothing on Thor) 7. Danie Rossouw 6. Ruben Kruger 5. Victor Matfield 4. RG Snyman (All round better player than bakkies and more disciplined) 3. Trevor Nyakane (skills over the ball and insane work rate off the ball) 2. Derick Kuun (Very underrated in his time) 1. Os du Randt (obviously)

[@RealRugby]

Abre, jy hoef regtig nie saam te stem met enigiets wat ek op my kanaal sit nie, dis jou reg. Ek vind dit snaaks dat jy my keuses "puzzling" noem, maar jy kies 'n flank op haker... dis vir my bietjie ironies. Ek weet wat jy gaan sê - Kuun het baie games haker gespeel. Wel, Hougaard het baie games vleuel gespeel. Os du Randt het n halwe seisoen vir die Bulle gespeel, hy was n Vrystaat en Cats legend, nie een by die Bulle. Ek, is soos jy, my hele lewe lank n Bul supporter. Jou opinie tel so baie soos myne

[@Konst_Abel]

@@RealRugby jy is baie defensief. Jy het jou opinie gegee met die video. Ek gee maar net myne. Kuun was hoofsaaklik ‘n haker en Hougaard is hoofsaaklik ‘n skrumskakel. Ek was ook net half ernstig oor Os. Ons kan hom mos claim as die stormers vir habana en mossie kan claim. 😉

[@RealRugby]

@@Konst_Abel glad nie defensief nie, maar net saak gestel. Opinies verskil altyd en dis fine met my

[@pienaarscholtz3985]

I stopped watching at 10 - Morne won 3 titles Pollard 0

[@RealRugby]

Didn't realize Morne won the titles on his own? Jonah Lomu never won a World Cup, he must have been shit

[@meeshnozigqwaba8972]

@@RealRugby great clap back

[@DAllan-lz3lg]

Forward pass at 4’50”…..

[@taraishot100]

The bulls was the only South African team to win a title.. even the Australian teams won more titles Brumbies, Waratahs and the Reds won titles but the New Zealand teams dominated super rugby like every NZ team have won super rugby titles! South Africa are to scared to come back to super rugby! Don’t know why they left in the first place was it because their teams weren’t winning tittles? It’s pathetic that they haven’t come back to me it’s because they don’t want this smoke anymore