VIDEO: 'Nothing big that's wrong at the Bulls'
SPOTLIGHT: A week in rugby is a long time and for Bulls’ supporters that phrase needs to ring true this Friday.
The Bulls opened their Currie Cup season with a humiliating 15-63 loss to the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.
Although the loss was a first for new Currie Cup coach Edgar Marutlulle, it is certainly an awful reminder of the franchise’s current form.
Thus far they have suffered three consecutive defeats at their headquarters – which includes two United Rugby Championship losses to Stormers and Lions, respectively.
When quizzed about the side’s current state and losing streak at home, Bulls front row Jan-Hendrik Wessels downplayed any crisis.
Instead the 21-year-old is adamant the team will bounce back this Friday in the North-South derby when an in-form Western Province visits Pretoria.
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“I don’t think there is anything bad in the camp or anything that is going terrible at the moment,” Wessels said, adding: “Neither is there something big that is wrong.
“It’s obviously easy to look at a lot of stuff when you are losing, but I don’t think there is anything wrong.
“As individual players and as a group at the Bulls, we need to come together and fix it.
“It does look bad in terms of the results recorded, but I believe it is small stuff we can turn around in the camp and can fix over the weekend.”
Defensive frailties
One problem the Bloemfontein-born forward identify was his team’s defence.
The Bulls’ defence was non-existence during the opening round of the Currie Cup. They conceded nine tries against the Pumas, while their poor display only saw them create few chances and only scored two tries.
“Similar to the Pumas, the WP are very unpredictable, they play with loose ball,” he said.
“Think if we give them a lot of ball, they will create a lot of opportunities out of nothing.
“So, our defensive systems need to be in place and just need to get out with the plan the coaches give us.
“We have to play to our strength, not make silly mistakes and not give them chances to score, I think then it will be a good weekend.”
