Bulls ready for Crusaders clash

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 30, Pierre Spies during the Vodacom Bulls press conference at Loftus Versfeld Auditorium on May 30, 2012 in Pretoria, South Africa Photo by Lee Warren / Gallo Images

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 30, Pierre Spies during the Vodacom Bulls press conference at Loftus Versfeld Auditorium on May 30, 2012 in Pretoria, South Africa Photo by Lee Warren / Gallo Images

Published Jul 18, 2012

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Johaanesburg – The Bulls are well aware of the challenge they face against the Crusaders this weekend, but they back themselves to progress further in the Super Rugby competition, according to skipper Pierre Spies.

The Pretoria outfit square up against their hosts in a playoff clash in Christchurch on Saturday as they go in search of a place in the semifinals.

“Quarterfinal rugby is about how you handle pressure and how you exude pressure,” Spies said on Wednesday.

“It is obviously a challenge to play the Crusaders at home but we are looking past that.”

The last encounter between the two sides was a battle of attrition, with the Bulls narrowly edging the Crusaders 32-30 at Loftus Versfeld.

A small storm, however, erupted afterwards over two eye-gouging allegations were made against the Crusaders.

The claims have since been refuted and the Bulls were adamant this week they had buried the hatchet.

“We've already played against them this year and it will be a tough game,” Spies said, “but we are backing ourselves.”

Meanwhile, lock Flip van der Merwe returns from injury in the only change to the Bulls team.

Van der Merwe, who has recovered from a hip injury that saw him miss last week's 37-20 victory over the Lions, replaces Wilhelm Steenkamp in the second row.

Steenkamp drops to the bench and CJ stander falls out the match 22.

Spies said the return of a seasoned player like Van der Merwe gave his side a timely boost ahead of the crunch clash.

“You have to use every bit of experience and the players who have it must bring it to the fore,” he said.

“It is important that it counts in your favour on the day.

“We have enough experience in the team and it is a great challenge to us as a group.”

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said his players were aware of the extent of the challenge they faced against one of Super Rugby's most successful sides.

“They are a good team, we respect them and we know their ability,” Ludeke said.

“They have shown throughout the year on a number of occasions that if you allow them to get momentum they can make it dificult for you.”

Bulls team: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Wynand Olivier, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies (captain), Dewald Potgieter, Jacques Potgieter Juandre Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling. Replacements: Willie Wepener, Frik Kirsten, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Deon Stegmann, Jano Vermaak, Louis Fouche, Francois Venter. – Sapa

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