Blou Bulls

So far the Super 14 2010 has witnessed powerhouses Bulls, Hurricanes and Chiefs go undefeated the first three rounds. Although Hurricanes and Chiefs are traditionally slow starters, it's hardly surprising that both teams have won all their games so far. Quality and consistency are the key ingredients of the succesful kiwis teams.

But as good as these teams are, as high as they are flying, their deeds have been eclipsed by the highest-flying Bulls, the team that not only was impressive during the dying games of last season, but also have produced the best rugby in 2010.

Some of the new interpretations of the old rules were a backstab aimed at the Bulls. More strict rulings at the offside during the kicking and a quicker recycling of the ball, made possible by the stricter interpretation of the release-tackled-player law, had pundits saying that a side like the Bulls, so strong with the kick&chase, would struggle to get going.

It's been the other way around. No team has produced more tries, no team has a more dreadful attacking game and no team looks more dangerous with the ball in hand. Take last week's game against the Waratahs as an example. So confident were the Bulls of their attack that a number of times, unerring Morné Steyn opted for kicking penalties to touch, instead of taking the three points on offer. To good effect, must be said.

The Bulls have been so strong in the highveld. Will they be that strong on the road? It's their rivals hope, including Hurricanes and Chiefs, or there will be no stopping them. Weaker or stronger, we'll start knowing in week 5, as this week is Bulls' Bye round before they go on touring Oz and NZ.