Bulls to make North-South derby 'special' for milestone-reaching teammate
SPOTLIGHT: As if facing the Stormers wasn’t motivating enough, the Bulls are out to deliver a special performance for one of the team’s stalwarts reaching a special milestone.
Springbok loose forward Marco van Staden will run out for his 100th first-class match for the Bulls should he be selected for the rescheduled Round Eight United Rugby Championship against the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld.
Van Staden made his Bulls debut in 2018 and enjoyed a brief spell at Leicester Tigers between 2021 and 2022 before returning to Pretoria.
Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee stated that facing the Stormers is always a massive occasion, and one the team will look to make special for Van Staden’s milestone moment.
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“It’s always special playing against the Stormers.
“There’s an immense traditional and cultural history between these sides – If you look at the legends from both teams that have gone on to represent the Springboks through the years.
“When both teams do well, it’s always an indication that Bok rugby is in a good place.
“With the respect we have for each other, it’s going to be massive. The [match] will bring the best out of us against them and vice versa.
“And on the day one has to stay composed, handle the emotions, be clinical and soak in the atmosphere.
“It’s Marco’s 100th, and hopefully we can make it special for him.”
Coetzee is, however, wary that it will not be the easiest task to topple their biggest local rival, as the Capetonians enjoyed a few victories in recent years at Loftus Versfeld.
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“If you look at history, they [Stormers] actually have a very good record here at Loftus [Versfeld],” Coetzee told Rugby365.
“There were a couple of games where they had our number, and they’ll be confident.
“But in saying that, it’s a big clash and the guys are excited for it.
“They have dangers all over the park with many X-Factor players who can provide momentum, and they rely heavily on their set-piece.
“All in all, we are preparing the best we can for this weekend.”
Van Staden touched on the possibility of facing rookie flanker Paul de Villiers – a player in a similar mould to him.
“Paul [de Villiers] is enjoying a great season and has been good since he started playing for the Stormers.
“He’s doing really well and were in the [Springbok] alignment camp now as well.
“I’m very happy for him. He’s playing really well consistently, which is good for him.”
