VIDEO: Nomlomo thanks Pumas for rugby lesson
WATCH as Bulls head coach Phiwe Nomlomo speaks about the importance of young players adapting quickly to Currie Cup level and the positives from their 7-41 loss to the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.
The Bulls headed into the contest as firm favourites after two big wins against the Western Province and the Sharks.
The Pretoria-based outfit had some disruptions heading into the Pumas clash, with players joining the United Rugby Championship squad.
There were also late changes to their starting line-up, with Aphiwe Dyantyi ruled out minutes before kick-off and replaced by Riyaad Bam, who made a try-scoring debut and PA van Niekerk promoted from the bench in a direct swap with Chris Smit in the centres.
The result against the Pumas might come as a surprise to some, but Nomlomo highlighted the importance of experience and cohesion, something the Pumas had and the Bulls lacked on the day.
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“Things are changing a wee bit. The guy who comes out of school who has loads of talent is getting pushed through a bit earlier.
“It’s not an excuse. If you play against a 28-year-old and you are a 20-year-old, you must still show up and do what’s required.
“The difference today [Saturday] was the physicality and the speed at which things can happen.
“We will learn from this, and it’s a pleasure to learn from a team like the Pumas, who convincingly beat you.
“That is what you want. Sometimes when you’re in the race, you might get a false sense of security where you feel that you’re better than what you are.
“Today [Saturday] taught us a lot of things, and that is a good thing for us.”
