Bulls to 'perform' in NZ
REACTION: A humiliating defeat to the Crusaders, did not deteriorate Bulls head coach Pote Human’s determination to target the Blues and Highlanders on tour.
A win over the Crusaders was always a rare occurrence, however, a 13-45 defeat was certainly not part on the Bulls’ vision.
The Pretoria-based team headed into the encounter on top of South African conference but now find themselves second with 28 points and seventh on the overall log.
Despite their one-game advantage over the Sharks, the Bulls are set to embark on a challenging four-week Australasia tour that has the potential to make or break the three-time champions’ play-offs hopes.
Nonetheless, it seems like the defeat to the leading Super Rugby franchise has provided Human with a suitable solution to succeed away from home.
It was certainly a tough encounter for the men from Pretoria. They defence were horrendous as they conceded seven tries and only produced one, they missed 30 tackles compared to Crusaders’ 19 which Human pinpointed as the side’s main work-on ahead of the tour.
“Credit to them, they bounced back very well [from their 21-all draw with the Sharks],” Human told reporters after the defeat on Friday.
“We made a lot of mistakes and they capitalized on that, we have to learn from this experience.
“I think in the second half we played good rugby for a period of time; however, they were just better than us.
“The defensive lapses are a worry and we certainly have to fix it before we go overseas.
“We still in the race so it is not all done and dusted, we just have to keep fighting,”
The Bulls will face Rebels, Brumbies, Blues and Highlanders before returning home to take on the Lions.
“The defeat hurt, but we still have two fixtures again Kiwi teams. We will certainly try to put in a performance against the Blues and Highlanders in New Zealand.
” I know it won’t be easy, but we will try our very best.
“Think we have the players and team to come up with four wins but it will be a huge challenge,” he added.
By Leezil Hendricks
@Leezil07
@rugby365com
