Stormers ripe for the picking as Bulls get major player boost
REACTION: Bulls assistant coach Chris Rossouw says now is “probably the best time to hit” the Stormers as there have been some question marks over the Capetonians’ form in recent weeks.
The Bulls will meet their old rivals in a United Rugby Championship quarterfinal in Cape Town on the weekend of May 5 and 6.
Jake White’s side will head into that fixture with some momentum after big wins against Zebre (78-12) and Leinster (62-7).
The Stormers, on the other hand, suffered their first home of the season against Munster before putting in an unconvincing performance in their win against Benetton on Friday.
The Bulls are also set to get Bok flank and squad captain Marcell Coetzee back ahead of that quarterfinal.
Coetzee’s Japanese club, the Kobelco Steelers, failed to qualify for the play-offs in Japan and he is now due to arrive in Pretoria on May 1.
“It looks like they [Stormers] are struggling a little bit, but play-offs are completely different,” said Rossouw.
“Everything works in cycles.
“It looks like they lost a little bit of momentum, but I am sure they will plan accordingly.
“They came back well against Benetton in the second half.
“It does look like they are struggling a little bit and it’s probably the best time to hit them.
“We will know which team is in the best form in two weeks’ time.”
The story continues below…
Leinster’s worst defeat
The Bulls put on a great attacking display to score nine tries over a weakened Leinster side.
It was Leinster’s worst defeat ever. It surpasses the 10-51 defeat to Wasps during the 2015-2016 Champions Cup.
The home side got 71 percent possession in the game and Rossouw believes their strong defensive effort played a role in that.
“That was one of the focus points. We all know Leinster enjoys playing with ball in hand, but I think the big contribution to that possession stat was our defence,” said the backline coach.
“The defence caused a lot of turnovers, which meant that we got possession again.
“On top of that, when we had the ball, I think we were very clinical in terms of how we attacked the space, which either got us momentum, a try or a penalty.
“It was almost like a vicious cycle for Leinster to try and turn it around.”
@rugby365com
🎙️Ruan Nortje reflecting on the Vodacom Bulls win over Leinster.🎧
💙🐃#BULvLEI #TrueToTheBlue #BullsHeard @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/L6olhdqqji
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) April 22, 2023
