Bloemfontein – It will be a player reunion of sorts when the Cheetahs and Bulls face off in the Super Rugby competition in Bloemfontein.
Bulls hooker Adriaan Strauss, prop Trevor Nyakane and flanker Lappies Labuschagne, who previously played their rugby in the City of Roses, on Saturday will don the Bulls jersey in their first return.
With three of their key players running out for the opposition, the Cheetahs have had to make contingency plans for their set pieces.
“We had to rethink some of our stuff with regards to lineouts and scrums, because Adriaan, Trevor and Lappies have been part of us for so long,” said Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske.
“They know our structures and that is why change was needed. We are confident we will be able to benefit from our approach.”
The unbeaten Cheetahs would be under pressure to continue their good run of form against a Bulls side which had underperformed this season.
“They have a quality side filled with Springboks and may have been unlucky the last couple of weeks. We expect them to bounce back,” Drotske said.
“You don't need to motivate your players for a game against the Bulls, or for any local derby for that matter. For some reason, South African players don't seem to like each other.”
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said his side would not deviate from what worked in their victory over the Sharks.
The Bulls were on song in the lineouts and at the breakdowns and would be looking for a repeat performance.
“It took hard work against the Sharks and we reaped the rewards,” Ludeke said.
“We will have to do the basics right if we are to do the same against the Cheetahs.” – Sapa