In light of the intriguing bag of results produced in the Currie Cup thus far, we get a player's perspective on the provincial scene from Blue Bulls lock Francois van Schouwenburg.

Van Schouwenburg, a medical doctor and provincial rugby player, has also had the privilege of playing European club rugby, though admits he is happiest back with his home union.

"It's great to be back at the Bulls," van Schouwenburg told rugby365.com.

"I really missed the set-up, but most importantly the team spirit here."

Having returned from a season with recently promoted Top 14 club Toulon where he played alongside Victor Matfield, Van Schouwenburg still holds local South African rugby in the highest regard.

"Although we [Toulon] were only a second division side last season, we played against some very physical sides. It was invaluable experience.

"What I did notice though is that the French sides lacked the technicality you find back home at Currie Cup level.

"I was also amazed at the poor quality of refereeing over there. Despite what a lot of people think, our referees are amongst the best," Van Schouwenburg added.

The log-leading Bulls have won four of their five games this season, and are growing into a formidable provincial unit.

However, the Bulls can brace themselves for the fact that they will potentially face much tougher opposition going forward, with the release of several Springboks to their home unions, before the home leg of their Tri-Nations campaign.

Western Province and the Sharks benefitted the most from the release of Springbok resources, as Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke will lament the exclusion of any of his Blue Boks for the next few weeks of their Currie Cup campaign.

Van Schouwenburg on the other hand would have breathed a small sigh of relief at the prospect, which should ensure him more game time with the Blue Bulls.

"The Bok releases would not really be great news for me," he wryly added.

"But I think it is good news for the competition as a whole. It's great for the players as well as the supporters.

"The guys love going back to their provincial sides and I know a guy like Victor Matfield would seize the opportunity to have a game with the Bulls again," Van Schouwenburg added.

The Blue Bulls have a bye this weekend, but will start preparations on Monday for their next encounter with a resurgent Falcons side on the hostile playing fields of Brakpan.

365