Nomlomo hails Bulls fightback but admits discipline 'is a massive issue’

REACTION: Bulls head coach Phiwe Nomlomo believes his side took a significant step forward despite suffering another narrow Currie Cup defeat, with their spirited fightback against the Pumas providing plenty of encouragement.

The Bulls recovered from a 0-19 deficit to take the lead before eventually falling to a 31-33 defeat at Loftus Versfeld, but Nomlomo was encouraged by the character his young side showed.

“Great fightback, great spirit,” Nomlomo said. “That’s one thing we said all week. We just wanted to take a massive step. We’ve taken that step and we’re just going to keep building.”

*Continues below…

The Lions coaches would have plenty of questions after that performance…

Link to the match report: https://t.co/vlkdef9c5Z

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The Bulls’ ability to respond after being comfortably behind was arguably the biggest positive for Nomlomo, who believes his players are beginning to show they can compete in pressure situations.

“I thought we managed the big moments incredibly well,” he said. “We didn’t always get rewarded. However, with a performance like this, we know we’re just going to keep on building.”

The defeat also highlighted an area that Nomlomo knows must be addressed: discipline.

The Bulls spent significant periods with fewer than 15 players and were reduced to 13 men at one stage as their penalty count mounted.

“Discipline is a massive issue,” Nomlomo admitted. “And we must deal with it. More personally, I must deal with it.”

Despite the result, Nomlomo was pleased with the performances of his halfback combination, with his decision to back Bradley Davids at scrumhalf and Devon Williams at flyhalf paying dividends.

“They’re ballers,” he said. “They’ve seen the game; they understand the game. So, we’re fortunate to have the type of men that we have.”

Williams was forced off after taking a knock, however, leaving some uncertainty over whether he will retain the No.10 jersey.

“I will see how he goes through. He got banged up a little bit in the game,” Nomlomo said. “So we’ve got options there as well. We’re not running dry at 10 at the moment.”

Nomlomo also dismissed suggestions that the Bulls were simply outmuscled by a more experienced Pumas side, pointing instead to the visitors’ greater cohesion around set-piece play.

“I don’t think it’s an area of concern,” he said. “We know they play a lot towards set-piece, which is the same with a team like the Cheetahs.”

The Pumas’ experience and cohesion ultimately gave them an edge in those close-quarter exchanges, according to Nomlomo.

“Because they’ve been going at it for a bit longer, they’re a lot more connected and cohesive. So it’s a lot easier for them to play the way they play.”

*To recap all the action, CLICK HERE!

The Bulls were also forced to cope with a late change when Dylan Smith dropped out, but Nomlomo praised Sandi Msengana for adapting quickly and making an impact.

“We planned incredibly well during the week. All the guys understand what’s needed, so if the guy doesn’t come through, the next one is ready to play,” he said.

“I thought Sandi did fantastically well from a mindset perspective. He switches on, he switches over. He’s rewarded with a really good try.”

For Nomlomo, the bigger picture remains player development. With the Bulls still searching for their first Currie Cup win, he wants performances like this to become a platform for players to push towards the United Rugby Challenge and EPCR.

“We’re wanting guys to come through. When I say come through, you must play well, win games, go to URC, go to EPCR and keep kicking on,” he said.

“We’ve seen today that we’ve got guys that can kick on. And now it’s just a belief that we can win from here on.”