Exclusive: Mthunzi Mabeta Weighs in on Blue Bulls’ URC Form, Flyhalf Dilemma and Silverware Hopes

Despite their struggles in recent weeks, the Blue Bulls remain the best-ranked South African team in the United Rugby Championship (URC), occupying the third spot. However, they’ve had challenges with squad depth, a flyhalf issue, and poor performances in Europe.

In this exclusive interview, former Bulls lock Mthunzi ‘Fudge’ Mabeta shares his take on their current season, title charge, and personnel dilemma facing head coach Jake White.

After 11 rounds of action, the Blue Bulls have suffered just three defeats in this year’s URC campaign.

Two of those came against the Sharks in the South African local derbies, while the other loss was at the hands of Scarlets in October last year.

Despite their short-term success in the URC, the Bulls were in alarming form close to the end of 2024 after suffering three losses in the Champions Cup.

As a result, they were knocked out of the competition and forced to shift their attention to the Challenge Cup and URC.

“I think they’ve come close a few times; they’ve been very unlucky in terms of results and performances in Europe,” Mabeta told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“At one point, it looked like their Champions Cup form was spilling into their URC form."

“As things stand, the team is struggling with depth from the number of injuries sustained, and that will be the major concern for Jake White."

Flyhalf issues

One of the key talking points surrounding the Bulls of late has been around the flyhalf position.

The Pretoria-based outfit lacks depth in that department, and it’s starting to show after Johan Goosen sustained a knee injury, which will see him return to action in April.

In the meantime, White has opted to use Springbok veteran Willie Le Roux at flyhalf.

“The Bulls need an exciting flyhalf,” he said.

“Goosen has been good, but I think he’s lacking that extra spark or x-factor that can bring something special."

“He is a valuable asset, but if you look around at other teams like the Sharks, they have Siya Masuku and Jaden Hendrikse, and the Lions now have Lubabalo Dobela. The Bulls in that regard are struggling.”

“They are now trying Willie Le Roux at flyhalf, and that was something interesting, and I don’t think it was a failure.”

Bulls title contenders? 

White and his men have come short of winning the URC in all three seasons since its inception.

They’ve been beaten in two finals and were knocked out in the semifinals during the 2022/23 season.

Mabeta believes they are strong title contenders, but players will need to step up if they are to go all the way.

“They’ve been looking like contenders for the past three seasons, and they haven’t come away with the result."

“The game against the Glasgow Warriors last year was unfortunate, and it could’ve gone either way."

“It’s going to be a big challenge for them this year, but I think they do have the right players."

“A lot of players need to put up their hands, especially the young guys like Canan Moodie, Cameron Hanekom, and the experienced heads like Le Roux."

“They have a shout at silverware, but it won’t be easy.”

Challenge Cup quest

While the main focus will be on going as far as they can in the URC, the Bulls also have one eye on the Challenge Cup.

They will play their round of 16 clash against French Top 14 outfit Aviron Bayonnais on Saturday, 05 April.

Mabeta believes it’s another opportunity to clinch silverware.

“There are some stigmas that the Challenge Cup is a watered-down version of the Champions Cup, but I don’t think so."

“Jake White will be going for that trophy, and I’m sure he’ll have his best team playing there."

“Player management will be key, but I’m certain the Bulls want trophies. They want to be the best and win.”