Why Bulls captain is not entertaining 'battle-hardened' Sharks chats
FROM THE CAMP: Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee has downplayed the suggestion that the Sharks will arrive at Loftus Versfeld better prepared.
As the Bulls and Sharks gear up for a pivotal United Rugby Championship Round 12 clash on Saturday, talk has centred around momentum and match fitness. The Sharks were in action last week, while the Bulls have been on a month-long break.
The Pretoria side sits eighth on 25 points after 10 matches. The Sharks are two spots back on 24 points, albeit with an extra game played. With play-off places tightening, there is little room for error.
The Bulls went into the break on a high, dismantling the Lions 52-17 at Ellis Park before the Six Nations window paused their campaign.
Since then, they’ve kept the engine running – including a physical encounter against Boland in Wellington last Friday.
And it was exactly what they needed, Bulls captain Coetzee told reporters.
“Boland really made it tough for us; they gave us a proper hit-out,” said Coetzee.
“It was important for us to get battle-hardened before this weekend, especially with the Sharks having played the Lions. We wanted to cover all our bases and be 100 percent prepared.”
Although the Sharks sustained a 22-34 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg, Coetzee acknowledged the Durban side’s familiarity with altitude conditions.
However, the 34-year-old insisted his side would be ready for the challenge.
The history between these sides rarely needs extra fuel. The Bulls might have beaten the Sharks in the URC semifinal last season, but the last meeting between the sides ended in a 21-12 Sharks victory at Kings Park in December – a result the Pretoria side will want to avoid this Saturday.
“It’s a personal derby,” Coetzee said.
“Every guy wants to give his best. You’re playing against Springboks across the park, and it comes down to moments.
“They’ve managed their pressure moments well in the past, especially in the double rounds. For us, it’s about being composed, steering the ship properly and using our opportunities.”
One concern for the Bulls is their recent home record. They have lost their last three matches in all competitions at Loftus Versfeld – an uncomfortable trend for a side that traditionally prides itself on fortress mentality.
After this weekend’s clash, the Bulls have a break before hosting the Stormers (March 14), Cardiff (March 20) and Munster (March 28).
“We want to get the spectators excited again by playing a good brand of rugby and imposing our DNA,” Coetzee said.
“Last season, the Sharks and the Stormers also beat us here. That’s something we’ve identified – how we handle pressure and exert dominance at home.
“There’s real excitement in the group for this weekend. Games against the Sharks don’t get any bigger. That will drive the motivation.”
Saturday’s clash could prove pivotal in shaping both sides’ play-off ambitions.
