Pretoria - Away from the comforts of their beloved Loftus Versfeld, the Bulls face a character test in Singapore that will go a long way in determining where exactly they sit in the pecking order of this year’s Super Rugby campaign.
For many of their fans, the South Africans’ trip across the Indian Ocean to one of Asia’s economic hubs may seem like an ordinary assignment that should yield a positive result for the three-time champions.
However, lying in wait is a Sunwolves team who look to be a game away from recording a maiden win in their first season of the competition, and would love for it to be none other than one of the most successful teams in the history of the competition.
It could be easy for the Bulls to fall into the trap of complacency after their dramatic 16-all draw against the Sharks last week, but coach Nollis Marais would have drummed it into his players that victory in the Far East could be the catalyst to a season in which they are so desperate to impress.
The Bulls are yet to win a game away from home this year after losing their opening game of 2016 to the Stormers, and getting accustomed to winning away from home could set the right precedent ahead of their tour to Australia later in the season.
The Sunwolves are not a side to be underestimated and while results may not have gone their way, they remain a threat for any visiting team. The Asians have looked the part in their two home games against the high-flying Lions and Cheetahs and, if given a sniff at victory, they could prove to be a difficult outfit with their high-tempo style.
What sets the Sunwolves apart from any opposition the Bulls have met so far this year is their ability to produce high-intensity phases throughout the 80 minutes.
It will therefore be of paramount importance for the Bulls to maintain the free-flowing game that has made them a pleasure to watch. This was evident against the Melbourne Rebels and Sharks, but they will need to do so with precision on execution and until the final hooter has sounded.
“Our focus is to deliver 80 minutes of quality rugby on the field. We have not played here before, so will have to adapt to the conditions and the opponents, so we need to be at our best,” said Bulls captain Adriaan Strauss.
Saturday Star