New confidence sweeps through Loftus

Given the resurgence in positivity at Loftus Versfeld following the appointment of John Mitchell as the executive of rugby, the Bulls match against defending Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes in Pretoria today could be closer than many people expect.

In their last home match, the Bulls could well have beaten the Highlanders, so they know that if they produce their best rugby, they can compete with the Hurricanes. Their confidence, so obviously and brutally lacking in recent weeks, should have been boosted by the acquisition of a person of Mitchell’s stature.

But coach Nollis Marais is a realist and he says that, in order for the team to have a chance, they have to find the set-piece platform and general accuracy they just could not produce last weekend against the Lions.

“Against the Hurricanes your set-pieces have to be good and we have to contest the lineouts because they like to make the game quick and move the ball around, they like very quick rucks. If we have a good set-piece and can hold on to the ball, then we’ve got a chance,” Marais said.

The Hurricanes will be eager to hold off the Chiefs and Highlanders in the race for second place in the New Zealand Conference, not only to keep the pressure on the Crusaders but also to avoid a potential quarterfinal against the Lions at Ellis Park, instead making a short hop across to Australia.

The Bulls defence will be facing a severe examination against a side with pace to burn, the Hurricanes being ranked first in Super Rugby this season in terms of metres made, clean breaks and defenders beaten.