Kurt-Lee Arendse is one of the Bulls players who has the X-factor. Photo: GB Jordan.
One can probably excuse the Bulls supporters for suddenly turning into Shakespeare experts. Because there hadn’t been so much rugby drama and remorse in Pretoria for a long time.
The Bulls have lost a series of matches in a row – whether in the United Rugby Championship or the Currie Cup – and things are certainly not going to get any easier this weekend against Toulouse in a Champions Cup match.
The French heavyweight rugby team boasts players such as Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos and Romain Ntamack in its ranks.
In addition, Dupont, World Rugby’s player of the year, has previously said that he is not looking for South African teams in European competitions.
Toulouse will therefore be persuaded to add action to words and teach the Bulls a rugby lesson or two.
Many things therefore count against Jake White’s team, yet Schalk Burger believes that the rugby jacarandas will soon bloom again in Pretoria.
“The Bulls have enough talent in their group – as far as the players and the coaching group are concerned,” said the former Springbok loose forward.
Burger believes that momentum is the key to success in any sport.
“In a South African context, the Stormers are currently riding the crest of the momentum wave, while the Bulls have nothing. However, they just have to remain patient; hopefully the scale can swing in their favor again.”
Bismarck du Plessis believes the Bulls will have to be at their best against Toulouse. Photo: Twitter.
Meanwhile, the Bulls will look to Bismarck du Plessis to fuel the team’s fire for their Toulouse showdown. After all, the hacker has played many games in France.
“To be successful this weekend, a team performance is of key importance. Each player, from no. 1 to no. 23, will have to team up. We will not only have to come up with a few better tricks, but also their passing and physical play,” said the hacker.
According to Du Plessis, each player in the team will have to win his individual duel with his direct opponent.
The French will rely on their flair and power play to overwhelm the visitors, in contrast to Ulster who overwhelmed the Bulls last weekend with their technically correct rolling movements.
So to continue on the Shakespearean theme of rebuilding: “Toulouse” or not “Toulouse”, that is the question.
Hopefully the Bulls pull themselves together and win this time.
The Bulls’ team will be announced on Friday and the match starts on Sunday at 16:00. As usual, the action will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Bulls Tour Squad:
Forwards: Bismarck du Plessis, Cyle Brink, Dylan Smith, Elrigh Louw, Francois Klopper, Gerhard Steenekamp, Janko Swanepoel, Johann Grobbelaar, Marco van Staden, Merwe Olivier, Mornay Smith, Ruan Nortjé, Ruan Vermaak, Simphiwe Matanzima, Tiaan Lange and WJ Steenkamp
Backs: Canan Moodie, Chris Smith, Cornal Hendricks, David Kriel, Embrose Papier, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Morné Steyn, Niel le Roux, Sibongile Novuka, Stedman Gans and Zak Burger.
