VIDEO: The Bulls have hit that 'sweet spot'
It seems like the Bulls have finally created a perfect blueprint as they prepare for the crucial part of the franchise’s season.
Veteran loose forward Nizaam Carr believes his team is finding their ‘sweet spot’.
The Bulls are sitting pretty near the top of the United Rugby Championship, following their win over the Lions in Round 10.
The side is well on course to secure a vital home playoff in the URC knockout phase, while their form in the Champions Cup has also been impressive.
Wins over Saracens, Bristol Bears and Bordeaux ensured the Pretoria-based team booked a spot in the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup.
They will host Lyon at Loftus Versfeld on April 6 in the Round of 16 play-off.
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Speaking to reporters, Bulls loose forward Nizaam Carr said he is happy to be back, especially for the crucial part of the season.
The 32-year-old spent 12 weeks sidelined due to an ankle injury and returned to the field during the Bulls’ friendly against the Falcons in Modimolle last Friday.
“It is the business end of the season, where everybody needs to be fit and ready for selection. I am glad I am back,” Carr said.
“I had a little bit of a setback, but I believe any setback is a slingshot if your mind is right.
“It is a crucial time for the team and points are vital.
“We also have the Round 16 Champions Cup clash, so while the injury was a blow it also gave me a break, switch off and look at rugby from a different perspective.”
The back row admitted playing all the different competitions along with the season breaks could be a challenge for any squad.
However, the Bulls’ one-squad approach had been a vital component as the players are collectively aiming for one goal, which is silverware said the former Stormers back row.
“We have a very good run – two or three hiccups. But we see it as a learning curve and that is the nice thing about [Director of rugby] Jake White.
“He [White] just wants us to learn and improve and focus on the next task in hand.”
He added: “The massive difference to me is the way we train.
“You have to have everybody involved training and not just 30 boys training while the rest of the players are on the side running straight lines, that is not sharpening themselves.
“So here at the Bulls, everybody is involved, staying in shape, staying sharp, understanding the processes of what we would like to do and I think that is like the big one for me.
“Even the injured boys come out and watch the training so that off the field they can help the boys that maybe got something wrong in the play and it just ensures that everyone is on the same page.”
Carr, part of the leadership group, lauded the squad depth and good culture in the team.
“The nice thing about this team now is that whoever gets the job that guy has the responsibility to leave that jersey in a better condition.
“And there are so many options coaches can select. In every position we have at least four to five players and the internal competitions are nice- it keeps you on your toes.
“If there is an injury the next guy is willing to step in and he is able, so there is a good culture and flow between the boys.”
“We have a good camaraderie.”
The Bulls will be in action in two weeks as they host the Stormers at Loftus Verseld on March 2.
