VIDEO: Bulls deliver strong statement on Manu Tuilagi
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls will be looking to give England star Manu Tuilagi a taste of his own medicine in their Challenge Cup Round of 16 tie against Bayonnais in France on Saturday.
Tuilagi, 33, has enjoyed a career resurgence since joining the French club, and his form has helped the team climb to fourth in the Top 14 standings.
The bruiser can be an explosive presence in the midfield, and he will certainly keep the Bulls’ defenders busy throughout the 80 minutes.
However, Bulls speedster Devon Williams believes his side has no reason to fear the big man.
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“We haven’t addressed it, and we haven’t singled out any player,” Williams told @rugby365com.
“I think week in and week out, we get different kinds of bruisers in the backline, but Manu Tuilagi is a big name.
“I guess we will have a plan for him, but you are playing against the Bulls, so I don’t think we are going to stand back for anyone.”
The Bulls will also be ready to bring some variation in their game to keep Bayonnais guessing in the match.
“It is knockout rugby and we touched on it in our meetings as well. We want to approach both competitions [URC and the Challenge Cup] with a play-off mindset,” said Williams.
“If it has to come down to a three-pointer, then it comes down to that, but we are not going to be scared to play rugby as well.
“If we have to go to our set-pieces and line-outs for a five-pointer, then we will do that.”
Williams added: “It’s about understanding the balance of a three, six, nine game versus a seven, 14 and 21 game – when to take a risk and when not to.
“It’s getting the balance right in terms of when to go for poles, but in the end, it is still important to get points when you enter the 22.
@rugby365com
