Bulls reboot for URC road trip challenge

18/03/2024 18:42

Skipper Marcell Coetzee said the Vodacom Bulls are looking forward to building on their impressive home performances with victories against Dragons and Leinster in Europe.

The Pretoria outfit face Dragons in Newport on Saturday when the Vodacom URC resumes in round 12, before heading to Dublin to tackle Irish giants Leinster at the RDS Arena.

Jake White's charges are second on the standings after eight victories and three defeats, and travel overseas on the back of a four-match winning streak in all competitions.

Prior to the break, The Herd kept themselves firmly in the title hunt with seven rounds left in the league stage of the competition by defeating the DHL Stormers 40-22 in Pretoria.

Speaking in a Bulls conference on Monday, Coetzee acknowledged the challenges that await the team but remains optimistic, especially with the positive mood in the camp.

"We've had a lekker two weeks to take in that big win against the Stormers but saying that, we used it as good preparation for this tour," he told reporters.

MORE: Stormers fired up for URC home run

"We know every game now is vitally important, and the Dragons are always strong in Newport; before we look at Leinster we look at them first.

"So all the preparations and team selections looking forward were all done for these two weeks, and we've reaped a lot of rewards with this.

"There's excitement among the boys about heading on tour and spending time together again, but ultimately it comes down to the results and we'll show respect for both teams."

"I'll prefer the position we're in now, where we can chase for a home semi-final or even a final in the future, depending how the season goes," Coetzee added. "I'll rather have this pressure than a team that might be relegated or has other issues [off the field].

"We've learnt in rugby how quickly dynamics can change; there'll always be pressure and you want to give your best every weekend and make the union proud.

"We've gone back to our basics this season and found our identity, and we've built on that, and we accepted every big game and challenge that came our way and that sparked the growth.

"And now it's a new challenge, playing Dragons who are always dangerous, and Leinster, who will probably have their Six Nations players back so you can never afford to be complacent."

Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images

The post Bulls reboot for URC road trip challenge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.