Bulls, Mitchell on same page
Absolute clarity under new coach, proclaims star wing.
Wing Travis Ismaiel says the Blue Bulls have complete clarity over how new director of rugby John Mitchell wants them to play, despite their continued struggles since the former All Black coach arrived at Loftus Versfeld.
The Bulls ended a four-match losing streak last weekend against Griquas with just their third win in seven Currie Cup matches, but remain in contention as they enjoy a bye this weekend.
“That’s what John Mitchell brings, he’s big on clarity and there is no confusion. Everything is very clear, he knows exactly what’s he’s doing and we know what we have to do as well. You go into any competition to win it, although we obviously got sidetracked a bit in the Currie Cup.
“But things don’t always go according to plan and there were a lot of off-field things going on as well. We just have to stick to our processes now and we’re still in a good position in the tournament,” Ismaiel told Saturday Citizen.
The 25-year-old SA A wing is set to return to the playing field imminently after a knee injury, the second one he has suffered this year, and Ismaiel is intent on ending the year well, having been one of the Bulls’ star players in the early stages of their troubled Super Rugby campaign. Having been named in the Springbok training squad at the start of the year, the end-of-year tour to Europe might just be all the motivation he needs to set the Currie Cup alight.
“The injury is coming along nicely and I will be back soon. I had a good run at the start of the year, playing 10 games on the trot, so I got that momentum that allows you to get into good form. But then there were the setbacks, especially the second knee injury now, just when I felt I was getting better and better.
“But it’s one of those things in rugby, it’s part of the game. Now I hope to finish the year strong and get a few games under my belt. My focus is not on the Springboks, it’s completely on just getting back on to the field and staying there. If I can then put in good performances, then the other things will come from there,” Ismaiel said.