Why World Cup winner is backing Bulls for Murrayfield 'upset'
SPOTLIGHT: Schalk Brits watched the Bulls deliver what he feels was their most complete performance in demolishing Munster in the United Rugby Championship quarterfinals.
However, he believes that for the upcoming semifinal against the Glasgow Warriors, this team has another even greater weapon in their arsenal.
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“When you bring strong principles and values into a team, it’s very hard to play against that,” Brits, a 2019 World Cup winner in Japan, said.
“I think this team has mastered the fact that rugby doesn’t define them.
“It’s an important part of their lives, but not everything,” says Brits.
“If you consider where they were in January, then Johan Ackermann taking over and a lot of reshuffling, they are hitting their straps at the best time of the season.
“The dominance of the Bulls in the quarterfinal was real.
“It was the best performance this season from this team.”
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Brits also had particular praise for Embrose Papier, who has already cemented his status as one of the greatest to ever wear the number nine jersey at the Bulls.
“Embrose has always been an extremely hard worker and true professional.
“Much like the great Bulls scrumhalves of Fourie du Preez and Joost van der Westhuizen, they just got better with time.
“He’s been phenomenal this season.
“He clears quickly, his support play is excellent, and his defence has been spectacular.”
The fact that the Bulls will be playing this semifinal on the real grass of Murrayfield and not artificial grass is a perfect metaphor for Johan Ackermann’s team.
Since taking over at Loftus Versfeld, Ackermann has focused his attention on cementing the real values in this team.
Exactly the values Brits believe make them a dangerous playoff opponent.
Source: Michael Vlismas media
