VIDEO: Bulls pack ready for Lions' tricks
WATCH as Edinburgh-bound Bulls prop Pierre Schoeman explain how they plan to cope with the Lions’ highly rated pack.
Schoeman will be playing his last game – before heading to Edinburgh – when the Bulls travel to Johannesburg for a Round 19 encounter with the Lions.
It is a must-win match for the Lions, who need a win to stay ahead of the Jaguares and top the South African conference.
Schoeman said they have learnt some valuable lessons in their last encounter with the Lions and will be better prepared for the South African conference leaders.
“The set pieces will be vital, especially the scrums,” the 24-year-old Bulls prop said, adding: “They have a good maul as well, as we saw in our Super Rugby match against them [a 35-49 loss] at Loftus Versfeld back in March.”
Schoeman described the Bulls’ preparation for this match as “spot-on” and said they are looking forward to getting another crack at the Lions’ much-vaunted pack.
“We have grown immensely as a pack and a team, especially this season with coach Mitch [former Lions coach John Mitchell],” the prop said.
“We have done a lot of work since pre-season, especially in the scrums.”
He said that on matchday, the front row that is more focused will get the upperhand.
“We have seen how no-name brand players give international players big hidings in the scrums.
“Scrumming is not like a bicycle, where you just get on and ride. It is something you have to do day in and day out.”
He admitted that the Lions caught them off guard in their previous outing, at Loftus Versfeld.
“We thought they would play an offload game, like a New Zealand team, but they just came at us through the forwards.
“They have strong set pieces and dominated the forwards.
“We are ready for it this time.”
Schoeman said he is “very emotional” about his last game in South Africa, before heading abroad.
As an uncapped South African he will qualify for Scotland, once there is clarity whether it is a three-year or five-year waiting period.
The prop is determined to “work hard” to put himself in the selection frame for Scotland.
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