Stormers can breathe a sigh of relief after victory

More to come in Semenya saga Klopp battles injury woes Mitchell unfazed by mighty Highlanders

IF ever there was going to be a time during this year’s Super Rugby competition that the Bulls mettle to go all the way is to be put to the test then it is now.

The three-time champions have shown enough in recent weeks to prove they have turned the corner and given enough time and resources to coach John Mitchell, they will be a force again.

At the same time there have been more than enough signs that within their evolution from no hopers, they can seriously mount a title challenge, especially with a string off home games ahead and on the back of inspiring wins against the Stormers, Sharks and Rebels.

And surely with their season-opening win against the Hurricanes still fresh in the memory bank, they will fancy their chances of pulling off yet another upset against the Highlanders this afternoon.

“It is a long way away but belief does help and we are at home which is important to us. We are probably more cohesive and confident since that round as well, even with some changes. So that builds good belief,” said Mitchell.

However, Mitchell is not oblivious to the might the Highlanders have shown this season and with the calibre of players in their team, every player within the Bulls squad will need to front up and produce their best rugby individually and as a collective.

“These Highlanders are at you the whole time. They are the one side in the competition that make up for every bit of talent they have. They’ve got some very good players and the rest of their teammates make the most out of their talent just through fantastic attitude,” Mitchell added.

Furthermore, the Bulls have shown enough in their matches on tour against New Zealand opposition, namely the Chiefs and Crusaders, to suggest they have the beating of some of the best teams in the competition and their suitability to playing with and without the ball has been an ally in their victories of late.

Such has been the Bulls’ walk of revival this season that they have been as lethal with ball in hand as any of the top teams, but their biggest asset has been their ability to stop the opposition dead in their tracks.

In a matter of seven days, Mitchell’s side were ruthless on attack as they tore apart the Sharks in a dominant display of total rugby in their 40-10 win in Durban and a week later they subdued the Rebels with a steely defensive effort coupled with the maturity to keep their discipline and grind out victory even in advewse circumstances.

Armed with that, the Bulls will face the ultimate test of who they are and whether they are ready to dine at the competition’s top table and do so with the conviction of a side that belongs there.

“I think we both enjoy playing without the ball. So that tells you it will be a good arm-wrestle and we’re both quite capable with the ball. But we have demonstrated we are comfortable without the ball and can get results and hurt teams. A lot of it will come down to the crumbs and the possession that is gained from the fracturedness of the game and, I guess, who handles those moments and precious situations the best,” Mitchell said about the traits that they share with the Highlanders, which are likely to determine the outcome of today’s encounter.