Swys: Why Bulls are favourites
The Bulls host the Lions in a Round Three Super Rugby match at Loftus Versfeld this coming Saturday and for the first time in years, the men from Pretoria are a real threat to the dominance of their southern neighbours in the South African conference.
Both are coming off impressive wins – the Bulls edging an impressive Hurricanes team and the Lions demolishing the Jaguares.
"It is unbelievable," De Bruin said, adding: "We are really excited – especially now, following their fantastic performance against the Hurricanes.
"It makes them the favourites at Loftus, an away game for us. It is fantastic, because the pressure is off [the Lions].
"I never enjoyed travelling to Loftus when everybody expects you to win. I enjoy it more this way."
De Bruin denied his remarks are an attempt to butter up the opposition.
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"Just look at how they played against the Hurricanes," De Bruin told rugby365.
"There is all this hype around the Bulls, with their new coach. I don't see it as that [flattery]. We will have to play well to win."
De Bruin said the one aspect of his team's game that may be of concern is that they did not cherish possession.
He said his team made 31 linebreaks and ran more than 1,000 metres.
"That is very high for Super Rugby and is very exciting.
"It is a very fine line. I encourage the guys a lot to play, display their flair and attack where they see space. If you then concede some turnovers, you should be 'sour' [upset] about it.
"It is the way you want to play.
"My attitude is, I would rather score eight tries and the opposition six, and we win – rather than we score one try and they nothing and we win."
By Jan de Koning
@king365ed
@rugby365com
