Why this Bulls play-off feels different under new coaches
The Bulls are no strangers to the pressure and intensity of play-off rugby, but this year’s challenge comes with a different feel.
While many of the players have been through multiple knockout campaigns together, the arrival of new voices in the coaching box has brought fresh perspectives and a new way of approaching the business end of the season.
Captain Marcell Coetzee believes the blend of proven playoff experience within the squad and the influence of the new coaching staff has created a healthy balance as the Bulls prepare for another title charge in the quarterfinal of the United Rugby Championship.
“It’s been an awesome journey so far with the new management that came on board,” said Coetzee.
“There are new voices and a new way of looking at the game with coach Niel on board and coach Johan becoming more involved with the forwards during the season.
“They see it much the same way we do as players. They’ve had their fair share of playoff experiences with previous teams, so it’s about combining the experience of the coaches with what we’ve gone through as players and making sure everyone is aligned on what we want to achieve.”
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That combination of old and new could prove valuable in a competition where the margins are often razor-thin.
“The experience they bring and the experience we’ve endured this season is a good mix,” Coetzee added. “We’ll definitely take confidence from that.”
The Bulls have spent much of the season operating under playoff-like pressure, forced to fight for position on a crowded URC table where every result carried significant consequences.
“If you take me through the season, we were under pressure and it almost forced us into a knockout-rugby mindset every week,” said Coetzee.
“We’ve become used to that pressure and understanding what the task is at hand. We’ve found our mojo through those challenges and now we want to take that into the playoffs.”
While the coaching group may bring fresh ideas, Coetzee believes success in knockout rugby will ultimately come down to the leadership and experience within the playing squad.
Veteran Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard is one of those players expected to thrive when the pressure reaches its peak.
“Handré is a man for the moment,” Coetzee said.
“He’s got those big-match moments in him and those are the type of X-factor players you rely on when you get to playoff rugby.
“But it’s not just him. This is the stage of the season where you need nine-out-of-10 performances from your senior players, and everyone involved. Everyone has to be on form, and everyone has to do their part.”
For the Bulls, the play-off stage may be familiar territory, but with fresh coaching influences and a squad that has grown through adversity, there is a belief that this campaign could have a different ending.
