Beware Cape crusaders

VETERAN Super 14 coach Ian Foster predicts the South African challenge will only increase next year.

He says the Bulls, defending champions after walloping Foster's Chiefs in this year's final in Pretoria, will remain the benchmark.

But Foster is hearing whispers of movement on the South African player market with wonder wing Bryan Habana heading to the Stormers and others following him in an aggressive recruitment campaign by the under-achieving Cape Town franchise.

"The Bulls and Sharks are very experienced units and the Bulls have clearly got a formula that works very well for them," Foster said. "But I'm expecting the Stormers to come out and have a very strong team next year."

Heading into his seventh year in charge of the Chiefs, Foster senses little between the New Zealand franchises after last week's squad announcements.

"I certainly think there's a very even spread of talent," he said.

"Last season we all looked a little bit light on experience and a little bit young. And, in all honesty, I think having three teams in the playoffs last time was a massive achievement for the country. This time I think there's a sense of solidity with the five squads."

Foster paid credit to the transfer system for helping achieve that. He has certainly used it wisely to attract Craig Clarke, Hikawera Elliot and Sona Taumalolo back into his pack's engine room from outside the Chiefs boundaries.

"I think the transfer and loan has been a good initiative," he said. "It's given the players a lot more say in the selection process and it's brought some continuity."

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