Vodacom Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee expects a fierce Stormers challenge at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Bulls have recovered from a difficult spell earlier in the season to become the form South African team in the Vodacom URC, while their Cape rivals have dropped from first on the log to fifth after three successive defeats.
However, Coetzee warned that the Stormers remain dangerous opponents, especially given their impressive URC record in Pretoria, where they have won three of four encounters.
“If you look at history, they actually have a very good record here at Loftus,” Coetzee said on Tuesday. “There have been a couple of games where they’ve had our number, so we know it’s always a big challenge.
“It’s a massive clash and the guys are very excited for it. The Stormers have got danger all over the park – a lot of X-factor players who can create momentum and punish you if you’re not accurate.”
HISTORY: Stormers love a trip to Loftus
The Bulls’ confidence has grown after bouncing back from a seven-match losing streak to put together a winning run that has revived their URC playoff hopes.
Coetzee insisted there was never a loss of faith in the coaching group under Johan Ackermann during that difficult spell.
“It was always going to be a process. It takes time for players to adapt to new systems and structures.
“We also didn’t always have our full squad available because of Springbok duties and rest periods, and injuries.”
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The experienced loose forward said the team always believed that one result could get the Bulls’ season back on track.
“The big thing for us was getting that momentum. One game can change everything and then it starts building,” he said, referencing the dramatic away win at Pau in the Investec Champions Cup in mid-January which saw them squeeze into the last 16.
It was the trigger for the Bulls to hit form and go on to beat Edinburgh, the Lions and the Sharks in the URC and consolidate a place in the top eight as the race for the playoffs tightens.
“We took confidence from that Pau game, and since then we’ve just tried to be better every week,” said Coetzee.
“Things are also coming together nicely off the field. The coaches place a big emphasis on values and standards, and those are driven by the leaders in the squad.
“Every player knows where he stands. There’s an open-door policy and everyone has an important role to play – whether you’re starting, on the bench, or outside the matchday squad.”
STATE OF THE URC: Snorting Bulls await Stormers
The Bulls have reached three URC finals in four seasons, but Coetzee refused to look too far ahead.
“There are a lot of games to be played before the playoffs,” he said. “Every week brings a new challenge and this weekend it’s the Stormers in a big north-south derby.
“You have to respect the opposition and prepare as well as possible. If we keep doing that, the rest of the season will take care of itself.”
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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