Bulls get an unexpected visitor
May 30 2009
South African President Jacob Zuma visited the Bulls squad on Friday in Pretoria to wish them well ahead of the Super 14 final against the Chiefs.
The southern hemisphere rugby union championship climax is scheduled for Saturday evening before a sell-out 52,000 crowd at Loftus Versfeld, where the recently elected leader met the players.
Zuma is following in the footsteps of the first democratically elected South African president Nelson Mandela, who frequently visited South African teams ahead of major fixtures.
Home advantage, partisan support, playing at 1,800-metre altitude and a team packed with experienced stars are among the reasons why the Bulls are favoured to win a second Super 14 title within three seasons.
The Chiefs who are one of five New Zealand teams who compete annually for the trophy, are appearing in their first final and are hoping to become the fifth 'away' team to triumph in the 14-year competition.