VIDEO: Sarries a good barometer for blithesome Bulls
The Bulls are flying high after their impressive bonus-point (28-14) United Rugby Championship win over Connacht at a wet and windy Galway last week – their fifth win.
Their only ‘slip-up’ was a one-point (22-23) loss to Scarlets in Llanelli in mid-October.
However, the impressive away wins over Benetton and Connacht saw them move to third place in the standings, with a game in hand on table-topping Leinster and second-placed Glasgow Warriors.
Bulls utility back David Kriel said last week’s atrocious conditions at the Sportsfield in Galway ensured they are “prepared for Europe’s worst weather” and that the squad’s confidence is at an all-time high.
Kriel, speaking ahead of their Champions Cup opener against Saracens in London on Saturday, said the Euro Cup encounter will be a true test of their progress this year.
“We’re expecting wind and rain,” Kriel said, adding: “After last week’s game against Connacht, we expected the worst weather and are preparing accordingly.
“If it [the weather] is better than that, we’ll just adapt our game, but we’re expecting the worst weather imaginable!”
He said Saracens’ reputation precedes itself – as three-times European champions.
“They have a rich history and have shown over the last couple of years why they’re one of the best teams in England.
“We’re expecting a tough battle but one we’re all excited about.
“It is one of those games you want to be involved in, to see where we are as a group and as individuals.”
(WATCH as Bulls utility back David Kriel talks about the Pretoria franchise’s opening match in the European Cup – against Saracens at the Barnet Copthall complex in London on Saturday.…)
Kriel, who is equally comfortable at centre, wing or fullback, said the momentum they build in the URC will mean nothing if they can’t follow that up with a win in London.
“The [Connacht] win has been a huge one, especially a bonus-point win away from home in atrocious weather, so the confidence in the squad is at an all-time high,” he said.
However, for the Bulls, like any team, the W is at a premium, but against Sarries in London, it is a steep obstacle.
Having beaten them at Loftus Versfeld last year, they know what to expect in this away game.
That is why composure is key on Saturday.
“Saracens is a world-class team, we can’t be sloppy against them and show composure on the ball,” he told @rugby365com.
“It is a positive that we’ve faced them in the past, and we beat them, but our approach doesn’t change.
“We’re still going out believing we can win this game and kick our Champions Cup off on a good note.”
@king365ed
@rugby365com
