Auckland – Despite coming up against a struggling Blues side in their Super Rugby match in Auckland, Bulls player Francois Hougaard believes the former champions would still provide a stern test on their home turf.
The Blues were in the middle of a season they would probably prefer to forget, occupying 13th spot on the log with just two wins to their name in their campaign.
“I think they’re one of the most underrated teams,” said Hougaard.
“They’re a bunch of talented guys, and are a dangerous side which they’ve shown throughout the competition. They’re a big threat to any team.”
To compound the problems of the Blues, there were reports this week that the franchise may be looking to hire a new coach to replace John Kirwan. It emerged that Blues management had met with NZ Herald Crusaders assistant coach Tabai Matson for the position according to the reports.
For the Bulls, meanwhile, it was all about making sure they make the playoffs. The Pretoria side held sixth spot coming into the game, and coach Frans Ludeke hoped to keep producing results.
“At this stage of the competition you need to be playing your best rugby and have great momentum,” said Ludeke.
“We are pretty close to that and we cannot afford to slip up if we want to stay in the play-off race. That said, we are playing a very dangerous team so we will have to execute very well.”
The Bulls had a strong bench and could call on Deon Stegmann, Jacques-Louis Potgieter and Burger Odenaal during the 80 minutes if required.
“The great thing about this team is the guys who can come off the bench for us and make a huge impact in the last 20 minutes,” Ludeke said.
“They can hopefully bring pace into the game with their ball-carrying ability.”
Bulls captain Pierre Spies who had made a timely return to form this season, echoed the sentiments of Ludeke.
“They have strike runners and counter-attacking players all over the team,” said Spies.
“We will have to make sure we control possession and territory if we want to start the tour on a winning note. We have won here before though, so everyone is keen to keep on the winning track.” – ANA