Bulls coach says Stormers game will be like ‘war’

BULLS coach Nollis Marais has described their clash against bitter rivals the Stormers in Cape Town today as a ‘ war’.

The Stormers and the Bulls start their Super Rugby campaign at Newlands‚ where the Pretoria side have failed to register a win in six years. Marais said they were determined to return home with victory.

“We have developed very well since last year and we want to be competitive this season‚” the Bulls coach said.

“Saturday is going to be a tough challenge for both teams. We have not beaten them there in a long time and we are looking forward to the challenge of changing that.

“There is no love lost between the two sides and it will be the same this weekend. We expect a hostile reception but we like it because that is what makes it interesting.

“It is going to be war and nothing else. They have a good culture there, coach Robbie Fleck is doing a good job and they are going to come hard off the line and be physical. We are ready‚” he said.

Marias added that one of the lessons the Bulls had learned from last year’s campaign was to be competitive both at home and away.

“We learned last year that we have to be competitive every week. We have a good team and a balanced side which is a little bit more experienced than last year and a lot of guys can make a lot of difference on game day.

“We are definitely heading in the right direction and there is a lot of confidence and belief of what we are trying to achieve among the players‚” he said.

Marais said the Stormers will not be easy opponents in front of their passionate supporters‚ who are expected to pack Newlands.

“It is basically the same team they had last year except a few changes where some players left and others came in. They are always good up-front and play well against us‚” he said.

“If you dominate the set pieces‚ you have a chance but if you let them dominate the set pieces it is going to be a long day for you.

“We are aware that we must get wins away from home. Last year we were good at home and I think we only lost once at Loftus.” — TMG Digital/TMG Sport