Fireworks of Bok stars as Stormers and Bulls clash
With the array of Springbok talent that will be on show during their Super Rugby opener against the Stormers at Loftus on Saturday‚ Bulls captain Lood de Jager expects the clash to have the intensity of a Test match.
Bulls coach Pote Human on Wednesday announced a strong squad consisting of nine Springboks in the starting lineup with one on the bench, while the Stormers are also expected to be heavy with international stars when they name their squad on Thursday.
Human included De Jager‚ Warrick Gelant‚ Jesse Kriel‚ Handre Pollard‚ Embrose Papier‚ Duane Vermeulen‚ Trevor Nyakane‚ Lizo Gqoboka and Schalk Brits, with another Bok, Ivan van Zyl, on the bench.
De Jager said the quality that will be on show will give the game the feel of a Test match.
“Yes‚ this match will definitely have a feel of a Test match given the number of Springbok players that will be on show on Saturday from both sides‚” he said at Loftus on Wednesday.
“There are going to be worldclass players on the field and I am expecting a Test match atmosphere and intensity. This will get the best out of the players and hopefully fans will come in their numbers to support the match‚” he said‚ adding that the match is likely to be decided on the set-pieces.
“We have identified that this game is probably going to be a set-piece battle like most SA derbies. We are expecting a good scrum from them and we must have a plan for that and the lineout is also going to be interesting as they have good jumpers.
“In response‚ our lineout forwards must also be on top of their game.”
As a vital cog of the Bulls lineout‚ De Jager is aware that he will be targeted by the Stormers and he is ready for battle.
“They have talented players and they will have a strong lineout‚ which means we must be ready for a challenging setpiece. They are coming here with a point to prove.
“I was once a youngster trying to outgun the senior opposition players and their younger players in the lineouts will be gunning for me.”
Human said after weeks of preparation since he replaced John Mitchell‚ they are ready to start the season where they will be judged by reaching at least the play-offs.
“I am happy with the preparation for this season. There are 10 Boks in this team, which is awesome to have, but still guys have to go out there and perform for the rest of the season.
“If you play against the Stormers at Loftus or in Cape Town there is no motivation needed and I am sure that all the guys are motivated to go out there and show their skills.”