Head coach Johan Ackermann has cautioned the Vodacom Bulls against underestimating their Italian opponents in their final two URC regular season games.
The clashes against Zebre and Benetton are crucial for the Pretoria side’s playoff path.
The Bulls return home after back-to-back away wins in Wales boosted their position on the URC table. But Ackermann insists his squad aren’t getting distracted by permutations or possible finishing positions.
“We haven’t sat down and tried to work out where we could finish if we get eight or more log points from the next two matches,” he said.
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“It’s never really a good idea to start doing those calculations.
“A few weeks ago we had our backs against the wall and the last two away wins were like knockout matches. Right now you have to focus on yourself and make sure you’re playing good rugby.”
The Bulls eased some of the pressure with victories on tour, but Ackermann made it clear there will be no complacency against either Italian side.
The Bulls coach admitted costly home defeats earlier in the campaign had left his team with little room for error.
“We put ourselves in this situation by losing at home to the Lions and the Stormers. That’s at least eight log points we let slip.”
Ackermann singled out both Italian teams as dangerous opponents, especially after Benetton stunned defending champions Leinster at the weekend.
“You must not underestimate Zebre, and Benetton showed this past weekend that they are one of the top teams in the competition,” he said.
“They can beat any team on any given day with all the Italian internationals they have in their squad.”
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Despite improving their position in the standings, Ackermann warned there is still plenty that could change before the playoffs.
“There’s still a lot that can happen, and with the way the Stormers and the Lions are playing at the moment, they can definitely get results on tour.”
The Bulls squad will now be given time to recover after a demanding travel schedule before turning their attention to the decisive final stretch of the regular season.
“We’re going to give the players a proper break this week after a long tour and a gruelling travel schedule,” Ackermann said.
“The guys have done their part. Although Saturday’s win over the Scarlets wasn’t pretty, we managed to grind it out.”
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Photo: Chris Fairweather/Gallo Images
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