Bulls to Loftus fans: 'Let us entertain you'

The Bulls returned to the summit on the Currie Cup standings with a bonus-point win over arch-rivals Western Province at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

However, the Pretoria-based outfit wants to do so much more than just win.

They have put the entertainment value of the product they put on display for the fans at a high premium.

The 45-34 victory allowed the defending-champion Bulls to overtake the Cheetahs in first place at the start of the second half of the season.

Bulls coach Gert Smal admitted there are many aspects of their game that require attention if their are to realise their stated desire of a third successive title in South Africa’s premier domestic competition.

Smal admitted at times they were their own worst enemies, playing too much in their own half and should have played more of a territory game.

Restarts and defence are other aspects of the Bulls’ game that requires considerable attention.

(Continue below …)

“We had them, by getting a lead, but then we released the pressure again,” Smal said.

“We have to look at our systems and ensure we put teams away.”

Scoring tries is an aspect they continue to work on – having scored 37 in sevens starts (an average of more than five per game), while conceding just 22 (three per game).

Their closest rivals, the Cheetahs, are on 28 tries from six matches (4.7 tries per game) and conceded just 12 (two per game).

Getting a bonus-point win against WP was the main priority and in that regard, it is a ‘job done’.

However, Smal said playing “entertaining rugby” is another key aspect of their game.

“We work hard behind the scenes to ensure we score at least two tries in the first half and two in the second half,” the coach said.

@king365ed
@rugby365com