VIDEO: 'Everything becomes personal when playing at Loftus'
VIDEO: Loftus Versfeld is a special place and it’s a huge advantage to play at home, but that alone will not win the game for the Bulls, says prop Gerhard Steenekamp.
The Bulls have an incredible record of 21 consecutive matches won and are still unbeaten against European opposition at home at Loftus Versfeld since the move North.
Talking to the media this week, Steenekamp stressed the importance of not getting too complacent with this statistic in mind.
“Loftus is a special place. As soon as you play here everything becomes a bit more personal. The place has a rich history and it is a name we want to uphold.
“We don’t want to let our supporters down.
“And although it is a huge advantage, that alone will not earn us a victory. We still have to win the game on the field,” Steenekamp said.
As Munster awaits in Round 14 of the United Rugby Championship this weekend, the Bulls do so with the memory of their Champions Cup quarterfinal loss to Northampton Saints last weekend still fresh in their mind.
“It is never fun to lose and fall out of a competition.
“But we have to look forward now and focus all our attention on the URC to see if we can secure a home semifinal and preferably also a home final,” Steenekamp reiterated.
According to the Springbok prop, Munster is a world-class team brimming with international players but the Bulls must focus on themselves.
“It will not be easy. This week we must focus on ourselves.
“We must do what we do, what we train and execute our plans to the best of our abilities.
“We can’t determine what they do, so we must concentrate on ourselves and our game.
“The big thing is to have a good rebound [after the loss to Leinster].
“We are going into play-off rugby at the moment where we have to win everything. To end up on top is the goal.”
The Bulls’ pack has been in fine form in recent weeks and the 27-year-old Steenekamp says that scrumming with Wilco Louw brings out the best in him.
“It is awesome to scrum with Wilco. I don’t think I’ve met a few guys stronger than him.
“It also brings out the best in you, to ensure you don’t let the guy next to you down. Even more so now.
“To make sure both of us are on the same standard otherwise it won’t help as well.”
