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Former All Blacks coach Mitchell joins Bulls

John Mitchell

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell was appointed executive of rugby at Bulls as the Super Rugby team continue their “turnaround strategy”.

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Mitchell, 53, led New Zealand to third at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, having won the Tri-Nations in the same year as well as in 2002.

Bulls have embarked on a strategy to improve results on and off the field after a poor run this season.

“I enjoy challenges and this surely is a serious challenge, but one that excites me tremendously,” said Mitchell, who will leave his post as United States coach and begin the role in July.

“I have coached against the Vodacom Bulls and the Springboks many times before.

“They have a rich history of success, tradition and a legacy that surely surpasses most within SA Rugby and perhaps even world rugby.

“I am well aware of the responsibilities that come with this job, but I am also excited about the opportunities and the talented players at the Vodacom Bulls.”

Bulls are second in the Africa 1 Conference but a long way behind leaders Stormers after just three wins from 11 games.

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Chief executive Barend van Graan talked up the appointment of Mitchell, with current coach Nollis Marais to remain in charge of Bulls in the Currie Cup.

“I said from the start that this would be a thorough process,” he said.

“We looked at options both internally and externally, and had various other discussions and forums to ensure we would identify the correct candidates.

“The signing of a coach with the magnitude and experience of Mitchell is a massive coup for us, as his coaching credentials and achievements speak for themselves.

“I’m sure John will be able to add immensely in terms of our goals to win trophies and more importantly to help the continued development of our coaches and players.”

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Nickers 32 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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