What made you come to Ulster in the first place?
 
I had worked with Alan Solomons when he was involved with the Springbok side and he invited me to move to Ulster. At that stage I had been involved with the Natal Sharks since '94 and I definitely needed the change. I needed something different and I always wanted to see Ireland.
 
You made your debut for Ulster at a wet and windy Galway in an end of season encounter with Connacht - what were your thoughts at that stage?
 
It was a hell of a change! I had just played the Currie Cup final against Western Province in front of 50 000 people and the next moment I find myself in Galway where the small crowd doubles at half time for the Greyhound race! I actually nearly lay in a bit of Greyhound dung while warming up, but I soon found out that there is no substitute for the passion of Ulster. The people believe they are playing for their country and the red hand, and it is easy to buy into this.
 
Were you disappointed not to be retained by Ulster at the end of last season?
 
I was recovering from my shoulder operation and I had missed the best part of the season. By this time, a few youngsters had put up their hands and it was difficult to get back into the side. When Alan Solomons left, I knew that the time had come for me to move on. It was with some sadness, because I really enjoyed my time here and I believe that I played some of my best rugby in this period.
 
What do you miss most about life in Northern Ireland?
 
My wife misses playing tennis with her friends at David Lloyd's. I will also miss the passion of the supporters. The crowds may not be big, but they make a lot of noise, come rain or shine. They remain loyal, regardless of the team's performance, and that is not always something you see in South Africa.
 
Are you surprised at Wardy's decision to retire at the end of the season?
 
Wardy has rendered a great service to the team. He is a fantastic leader and a fantastic player. He has probably come to the stage where it is time to hang up the boots and I wish him all the best with his career as a teacher.
 
Which Bulls players should Ulster fans keep a particular eye on?
 
The 19-year-old Pierre Spies is an awesome talent. He is a winger with immense pace and power and could be the next big thing. Unfortunately, he injured himself against the Sharks last week and he will not be playing today. As for the rest of the side, I don't want to give away too much in case someone gets targeted.
 
Were you surprised to make the Bulls Currie Cup team on your return to South Africa?
 
I was surprised to end up with the Bulls, it was never something I have planned. They have a proud history and gave me a new lease of life. The Currie Cup final victory was a dream come true.
 
You must be delighted to get a Super 12 contract?
 
I am really happy to wind down my career with a season or two of Super 12 rugby. It is exciting and a real challenge.
 
What are the main differences between rugby in SA and rugby in Europe?
 
The weather accounts for the major differences. In the north, the game is forward dominated and features a lot of kicks to the corners. In the southern hemisphere, the ball is moved around a lot more and the pace is quicker. The physical nature is the same, though.
 
Any view on the standard of Super 12 versus European Cup?
 
With the ball moving around a lot more, there is less emphasis on forward play in the Super 12. This was evident when the Southern Hemisphere sides were shown up in the front row on their tours at the end of last season. This year, the interpretation has been changed to place more emphasis on scrumming power and I think this will suit the Bulls. The biggest gripe I have with the Northern Hemisphere competitions is that it is so fragmented. You have Internationals, European Cup and local competitions all running at the same time, and the team that starts a competition looks a lot different from the one that finishes it months later and that makes it hard for the fans to follow.

Questions posed by the URSC