VIDEO: Time for introspection as Bulls suffer a 'punch to the nose'
REACTION: The Bulls’ coaching staff will have a hard look at themselves after their team’s humiliating 15-63 defeat to the Pumas in a Currie Cup Round One clash in Pretoria on Sunday.
The Bulls were outplayed from start to finish with the visitors outscoring them by nine tries to two at Loftus Versfeld.
The match was Edgar Marutlulle’s first in charge of the Bulls’ Currie Cup team and he certainly learnt a lot of lessons.
“The Pumas are always a good team in the Currie Cup and we got a punch to the nose,” Marutlulle told reporters after the match.
“It can only get better from here, but well done to them. They wanted it more.”
Marutlulle pinpointed specific areas where his team were outplayed by the Pumas.
“They were more dominant in the turnover play,” Marutlulle explained.
“The moment the ball spills over, their ability to turn defence into the attack was outstanding and they were also much better at the breakdowns.
“That’s where the contest really was. The breakdown and the transition from defence to attack.
“I am disappointed in terms of the result, but I know the Pumas played very well.
“They were better on the day.”
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Next up for the Bulls is a home match against Western Province, who thumped the Lions 44-28 at Ellis Park on Saturday.
“It doesn’t get easier at all and that is the strength and the relevance of the Currie Cup,” said the Bulls coach.
“The Griffons were ahead of the Sharks at half-time, and we saw Western Province play well this past weekend, so it’s definitely not going to get easier.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can improve as a coaching staff.
“We got together over the last two weeks, so we can only get better from a coaching staff and players’ perspective.
“We got to have some introspection and look where we might have failed from a preparation perspective and hopefully we can bring something better next weekend.”
@rugby365com
