Captain Marcell Coetzee expects a brutal battle when the Vodacom Bulls’ take on the Glasgow Warriors in their Investec Champions Cup last-16 clash at Scotstoun.
The two sides are no strangers to each other, having traded blows over the past year – including a win apiece last season. Glasgow edged the most recent meeting in Scotland, but the Bulls have already shown they can upset the odds on tour, claiming a statement win earlier in the campaign.
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For Coetzee, familiarity doesn’t make Saturday’s challenge any easier.
“We’ve been going at each other for the last year now, and we’ve played finals against each other. So ja, it’s the animal that you know very well, but I think either way Glasgow’s a class outfit,” he said.
The Bulls skipper singled out the influence of coach Franco Smith, warning that Glasgow are a different beast at home.
“What Franco has done with them over the years has been exceptional. We regard every team we play now as powerhouses, especially Glasgow when they play here at home, they just take it to the next level. So we have to be mentally prepared and physical because it’s going to be a big one.”
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Coetzee believes the key will be keeping the contest tight and denying the hosts early momentum.
“If we find a way to stay in the fight and disrupt them, that’s where we want to place the most emphasis. If we back our systems and go for what we want to implement it’ll be a tough margin and it’ll come down to moments.
“But if we let Glasgow score early and allow them to build a margin, you’re going to be in for a long day.”
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Marcell: Glasgow’s the animal Bulls know appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
