Bulls to be tested up front
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke expects the Highlanders pack to offer his sides a fresh challenge in their effort to stay on top of the Super Rugby log.
The Highlanders forwards play has been one of the Otago franchise’s major strengths and the Bulls will need to front up to the physical challenge that awaits them on Saturday.
“At one stage they [the Highlanders] were the pace setters in the competition and are well balanced,” Ludeke told SAPA.
“Their forwards are very competitive in the scrums, the line-outs and the breakdown area.
“They are also the team who have carried the ball the most and kicked the least.”
The Bulls have shown their steely resolve and willingness to make countless tackles, as they did to close out the victory over the Waratahs last weekend.
Ludeke has praised the character shown by his team in the dying moments of the Waratahs match.
“Those last minutes, that was the first time this season that we won in such a way and they have now ascended to another level,” said Ludeke.
“It brings momentum and shows that they have belief in each other and our systems.
“That match (against the Waratahs) is now history and we are finished with Australia and we now look forward to Dunedin.”
