Positive Province concern Bulls

Brutal is the word most associated with big north-south derbies, but 'expansive' could be the biggest menace at Newlands on Saturday.

Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke admitted the change in approach by Western Province (or Stormers) is an aspect that could cause the visitors problems in their Round Two Currie Cup encounter.

"You could see in [the latter stages of] Super Rugby they have a more attacking approach, especially from turnover possession," Ludeke told rugby365 in an interview ahead of his team's trip to Cape Town for the biggest derby of the domestic season.

"They are, like most teams, is a side that wants to play in the right areas and then get momentum through line-breaks.

"However, they certainly do have a more positive approach when they get turnover ball in their own half."

The Bulls mentor said their own attempts at playing a more expansive brand was the cause of their downfall in a 13-41 loss to a rampant Lions team last week.

"We were positive and then lost possession," he said of a scenario that would play right into the hands of a very "positive"Province outfit.

"While they will always be very competitive in the set pieces, they are certainly looking to refine their expansive game."

As is always the case the contest at the advantage line will be an "enormous" battle, but according to the coach the game still starts in the set pieces, because that is where you lay the foundation.

The other key word this weekend will be "accuracy".

"Any game plan will fall short when the accuracy is not there," he told rugby365 adding: "From our perspective it is not a shortage desire and endeavour, but those errors at crucial times at the breakdown often cost us, that is why accuracy is so important."

By Jan de Koning