Bulls to bring URC intensity to Currie Cup
SPOTLIGHT: Fresh from a successful United Rugby Championship trip to Italy, the Bulls now turn their attention to the Currie Cup.
The defending Currie Cup champions return the action with a tricky encounter against the Griquas in Kimberly on Saturday.
Thus far, the Griquas have proven to be a very challenging opponent, recording wins over the Pumas and Western Province.
The Bulls have already suffered a defeat against the Cheetahs and prop Lizo Gqoboka admitted the Pretoria side can’t afford to lose any more log points.
“We already lost a Currie Cup game at home, therefore we have to secure a win this weekend,” Gqoboka said.
“The Griquas are every physical team and we expect they will fight till the end.
“Their set-piece is quite strong, their line-outs and mauls are an incredible attacking weapon. While their scrums are one of the best in the tournament.”
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The Bulls are expected to secure a win in Kimberley given the likes of Gqoboka and other stars, who was part of the URC squad who recorded a 45-7 win over Zebre, should be valuable URC reinforcements for Currie Cup coach Gert Smal.
“We enjoy switching between the two tournaments [Currie Cup and United Rugby Championship],” Gqoboka said when asked about the sudden switch.
“Coach Jake White and Gert Smal sat down with us and informed us we don’t have separate squads. So we all train together and they just select whoever they think is best suited for the weekend.
“Think having just a group of players training together makes it easy for us to change personnel and we have the same structure for both tournaments.
“We are excited and we want to play the Currie Cup and URC with the same intensity.”
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