Bulls amp for Bok-laden Sharks
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls assistant coach Chris Rossouw expects the Sharks to roll out the heavy artillery when the rivals face off in a highly anticipated United Rugby Championship match on Saturday.
Both teams head into the Round 11 fixture at Kings Park desperate for the win.
For the Sharks, it’s a case of extending their winning run and finally being regarded as a contender for the South African Shield.
In contrast, the Bulls will be out to bounce back from their 27-37 loss to the Stormers and keep the pressure on Shield leaders.
Bulls assistant coach Chris Rossouw admitted this weekend’s match against the Sharks is a ‘big’ one.
Rossouw also noted that Sharks and Stormers have very similar defence systems, hence it will be another challenging outing away from home.
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“We are looking forward to the challenge,” Rossouw said.
“Think at the weekend our scrums [against the Stormers] were unbelievable and created a good line-out platform to play from, so there were a couple of positives.”
“However it is extremely difficult to play against a rush defence.
“The Stormers closed down our third pass and that is why Lionel Mapoe was cut down, and that is their system. We will probably get the same this week and that’s why we need to be clever in how we play.”
“It was really great for us to test ourselves againt the best defence in the competition.”
Rossouw is expecting the Sharks to field a strong side which includes Lukhanyo Am, Eben Etzebeth, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Jaden Hendrikse and Siyamthanda Kolisi in the squad against the Bulls.
“They will go full blast,” Rossouw said, adding:” I presume every Springbok including Lukhanyo Am who is available will probably play.
“And the guys who are not Springboks are still very experienced guys.
He added: “Think it always nice for the guys to play against Am. They have Jaden that is on fire, and Grant Williams on the bench. Curwin Bosch is getting back to his old stuff after his injury.
“And they have various experience centres, and Werner Kok and Makazole Mapimpi.”
“So we definitely don’t lack any motivation.”
