Assistant coach Nollis Marais says the Vodacom Bulls must strike a balance in their gameplay to “turn it around” this season, starting against the Dragons in Wales on Friday.
The Bulls arrived on Tuesday for a Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash at Rodney Parade on the back of successive derby defeats in the competition against the DHL Stormers and Sharks.
Jake White’s charges were especially outmuscled by the Sharks in Durban on Saturday, and they need to pick themselves up for a tough run of fixtures in the URC and European Champions Cup.
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Speaking during a Bulls conference on Tuesday, Marais told reporters: “Everyone in the group is disappointed by the two defeats and we would like to turn it around this weekend.
“Jake spoke to the lads and he emphasised how important the result of the game [against the Dragons] would be for our campaign.
“We came here to take home points. Although it is still a long competition, it is important not to lose too much momentum.”
The Bulls’ discipline has been a concern recently, conceding two penalty tries in two successive matches, while their scrum has lacked stability.
“When we scrummed last year, we were literally afraid the first one was going to be a penalty against us,” Marais added.
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“It’s gone much better with [consultant] Werner Kruger and the front rowers have become more experienced.
“But we can’t deny that we struggled against the Sharks and Stormers. Still, it’s important to note that you’re scrumming against the best front rowers in South Africa, if not the world, in guys like Kitsie [Steven Kitshoff], Ox [Nche], Bongi [Mbonambi] and Frans Malherbe.
“We have Wilco Louw coming later this year and he’ll bolster our tighthead stocks. It’s the same at lock where we’ve lost a guy like Walt Steenkamp, but the two Ruans [Nortje and Vermaak] just simply need to make the step up and absorb lessons each week.”
The breakdown coach also believes that the Bulls – in fourth on the overall URC standings – are comparatively better placed than they were at the same stage of last season.
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“If you go back a year, we were two [wins] from seven in the URC, so our record this season is far better in comparison,” Marais said.
“I definitely agree that we’ve hit the buffers a bit over the past few weeks, but we can’t be too negative given our log position.
“We need to get the balance between creating play and playing the percentages right.”
On what to expect from the Dragons on Friday, he added: “They are very good at slowing down the game and making it difficult for you. Given the wet weather here, there will be a lot of kicking and breakdowns will be a big focus.
“We will not be able to play as offensively and will need to make the necessary adjustments this week.”
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
