Hougaard staying gives the Bulls wings

The Bulls will have an extra spring in their step when they meet the Brumbies tomorrow knowing that star scrumhalf Francois Hougaard has signed a three-year extension of his contract.

The livewire halfback is the fulcrum of most of the Bulls' attacking play, and, in the first year of a rebuilding phase, it is obvious that Hougaard is instrumental to the franchise's long-term plans and success.

The news will be a crushing blow to Western Province, who had been hotly pursuing Hougaard's signature. A few weeks ago, news seeping from the WP boardroom suggested his return to the Cape was a done deal.

After losing four Bulls coaching staff to the Springboks, albeit with heavy compensation payments, Hougaard's decision lifted the mood at Loftus.

And it should continue if they successfully deal with the Australian conference-leading Brumbies under former Springbok coach Jake White tomorrow.

The straight-talking White heaped praise on the Bulls and their structures this week, and rightly argued that the home team start as overwhelming favourites for the match.

The Brumbies haven't won at Loftus since 2006 and although White's largely unknown squad has performed above expectation so far this season, nothing suggests they have the necessary firepower to unsettle the Bulls.

But they do have a great defensive pattern, a strong set piece and an appetite to work for one another, which makes them a formidable opponent. White has also carefully been plotting a strategy to nullify the Bulls forwards.

The Bulls have a bye after this weekend's action before heading on tour, so leaving on a positive note is vital. They will view this match as one they have to win to stay on course for a top-two place.

The Stormers tackle the champion Reds in Brisbane today without the injured Andries Bekker and Jean de Villiers and still smarting from their first loss of the season last week.

Traditionally, there is very little in this clash and in 14 previous meetings the Stormers have led eight wins to six. Overall, the Reds have scored six more points than the Stormers in all their meetings.

The Reds, despite their indifferent form this season, don't often lose at home. They have lost only two of their last 10 home games against South African opposition, one being to the Stormers in 2008.

The Sharks face the table-topping Chiefs in Durban tomorrow knowing they can leave nothing in the tank with a bye week to follow.

The Chiefs have destructive runners in Leila Masaga and Sonny Bill Williams, and collectively they score tries freely.

But they also have a stingy defence, which is the reason they are at the top of the pile this season and not mid-table, where they usually find themselves midway through the campaign.