Bulls to launch from solid base
North-South derbies are still the biggest and close to Test-match intensity. For this reason alone it is vital to get the basics right.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, speaking to this website ahead of their encounter with the Stormers in Pretoria on Saturday, said this is the one game that "brings out the best" in both teams.
He added that "one or two big moments" in the game will make the difference.
That is why they have focussed of getting key aspects of their game in place.
"Your scrums, line-outs and restarts – those are the things that will give you an advantage," Ludeke said, adding: "Because you create a base from which to launch… to either get out of your area or to attack.
"On attack, there are the small things you have to look after to ensure you get momentum.
"You need to make minor tweaks, some tactical changes.
"Then, of course, discipline… penalties and those things, you have to be very disciplined.
"Usually in these games the teams with the best discipline pulls it off, because you easily get into the opposition half if you get penalties and that gives you opportunities to put points on the board."
Ludeke said they worked hard at settling into a routine this week.
"We had to ensure we get the players in a good space," he told this website.
"We know from our last encounter [with the Stormers] at Newlands, that the set pieces are vital, field position is important.
"It is all about pressure, getting into the right areas and then you can get the points and we know that both teams have solid defensive structures.
"Getting the basics right is what normally pulls you through in games like this."
The Bulls will also hope to get off to a better start.
In their encounter at Newlands back in March the Stormers secured a commanding 14-0 half-time lead.
The Bulls worked very hard to regroup and levelled the game at 17-all with just over 10 minutes to go, before a Peter Grant penalty minutes from time gave the home team a 20-17 win at Newlands.
"Every game has its unique characteristics, so it is difficult to go on what happened in a previous game," Ludeke said, adding: "Both teams have shown considerable growth and certain aspects of both teams' games have improved dramatically.
"There are players who have a lot more experience since our last encounter.
"However, the key is to start well in these games.
"On [the just completed Australasian] tour that was a big focus for us and this past weekend against the Chiefs it was tight throughout… we even had the lead at half-time.
"That is the type of start we are looking for.
"We also have certain aspects [of the game] that is important to us in those first 15 to 20 minutes – we are aiming to be accurate and make a solid start."
By Jan de Koning
