Bulls await physical Jaguares duel

The Bulls’ backs are against the wall following the three straight losses they have started their Super Rugby campaign with, but if ever there was a team to test the hunger and composure of a side then it is the Jaguares, their opposition at Loftus Versfeld today.

The Jaguares are like the streetfighters of Super Rugby, and their rolling maul has been the most effective in the competition this season. Their work at the rucks has also been excellent and they are a very direct side with ball in hand. Hard-tackling as well, they do nevertheless have the weapons out wide to hurt teams in wing Emiliano Boffelli and fullback Santiago Carreras.

“The players themselves have taken responsibility and it was unacceptable to lose here last weekend against the Blues. You can’t defend against penalties and we conceded 11 in the first half. But we all know where we are and what needs to be done. The pressure is on but we are still self-confident and we hope the Jaguares have targeted this game as an easier one,” Bulls coach Pote Human said at Loftus Versfeld during the week.

While comments emanating from Australia about South African referees favouring their own sides at home take the cake, it will be an important game in terms of officiating, with talented young New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe taking the whistle against a scrappy Jaguares side that plays right on the line, especially at the breakdowns.

“We hope we get quick ball for Embrose Papier [scrumhalf] but we’ve trained like we don’t get it so we are well-prepared for the Jaguares. You have to expect from them that sometimes they will be a bit illegal and get away with it, and we will speak to the referee as usual the day before the game. But I have a lot of confidence in Ben O’Keeffe, he’s a very good referee, and having Marco van Staden back will lift the pack. His physicality and passion will make a huge difference,” Human said.