Bulls still 'in a good Currie Cup position'

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is no need to reach for the panic button at the Bulls.

The Pretoria-based franchise found itself in somewhat of a rut.

The United Rugby Champions team are fighting for the play-off spot with only two round-robin matches remaining.

The Currie Cup team are seventh on the table with just one log point after three matches.

Despite the concerns, Bulls backline coach Hugo Van As said there is great belief in the camp and the players are in good spirits.

“We are three rounds in and we played the Currie Cup defending Champions Pumas, Western Province and title contenders Cheetahs, so we sure feel we are still in a good position,” Van As said.

“We are working very hard behind the scenes and are positive.

“There are a lot of rounds to go, and we are excited and eager to accomplish our objectives.”

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The Bulls have a chance to record their first win of the season when their travel to Welkom to take on the Griffons in Round four.

However, Van As admitted the bottom of the table Griffons will be a difficult challenge and his team needs to be clinical.

“The Griffons are actually doing very well,” Van As said.

“They were very good for the first 50 to 60 minutes against the Lions on Friday and asked a lot of questions.

“We know that travelling to Welkom will be a challenge. The Griffons are very direct and physical so we have to be clinical and continue to improve.”

#WRAP: Historic moment as @UPTuks are relegated to the @varsityshield #rugby #news #sports https://t.co/s4RdaHEiOt

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Van As was also quizzed about the Pretoria Union’s current state, given that UP-Tuks were relegated to the Varsity Shield.

The defending Varsity Cup Champions failed to record a win in this season’s tournament and suffered a 21-33 defeat to Wits in Johannesburg.

“It is sad that an institution like Tuks won’t be part of the Varsity Cup 2024, however, I don’t think it’s a fair depiction of what is happening at the Union,” Van As said.

“We believe that the URC and Currie Cup teams are in the fight. The URC team have been unlucky with a couple of results and the Currie Cup team has just been brought together as a unit.

“And obviously its concern that the top Pretoria University in the Shield, but it’s not a true reflection of where the Union finds itself.”