Highlanders out to counter Bulls pack
A TRIP to Loftus Versfeld always means a battle up front awaits.
Over the years, many a team has succumbed to the setpiece dominance of the Bulls in their Pretoria fortress.
It netted them three championships in the Super 14 era and remains key to this day.
The Highlanders are well aware of that. They know they will have to nail the basics in the scrum and lineout if they are to win there tomorrow morning, although the Bulls have shown a willingness to play a more expansive game under new coach John Mitchell.
They can threaten through the wider channels and are not shy to throw the ball around.
That has been clear in the threematch winning streak they take into the game, which has left them in second place on the South African conference table.
However, Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger is expecting the forwards will be the Bulls’ most potent weapon.
‘‘It will be important in terms of influencing the outcome,’’ he said of the battle up front.
‘‘But we’re really happy with how our forwards are going the last couple of weeks.
‘‘We probably learnt a couple of lessons against the Brumbies around the set piece, but we managed to perform really well Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Sunday, 3.15am
Highlanders: Fletcher Smith, Ben Smith, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrell Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel LienertBrown. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Aki Seiuli, Kalolo Tuiloma, Alex Ainley, Shannon Frizell, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Sio Tomkinson.
Bulls: Warrick Gelant, Divan Rossouw, Jesse Kriel, Burger Odendaal, Johnny Kotze, Handre Pollard, Ivan van Zyl, Thembelani Bholi, Jason Jenkins, Marco van Staden, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss,
Lizo Gqoboka. Reserves: Jaco Visagie, Frans van Wyk, Conraad van Vuuren, Hendre Stassen, Nic de Jager, Embrose Papier, Manie
Libbok, Travis Ismaiel.
against the Blues.
‘‘We’ve got some good plans in place. We know the challenge that’s coming against a good Bulls pack.
‘‘But we’re really excited about that challenge.’’
While playing at high altitude made for a different environment, Mauger said the team was more focused on itself than the conditions.
In saying that, some adaptations had been made.
Six forwards have been named on the bench, including the returning James Lentjes.
That came from the knowledge energy in the pack would be vital through to the end.
Likewise, an increased emphasis was being placed on discipline. Mauger said the Bulls were efficient at moving up field through scrums and lineouts and looked to win penalties from both.
‘‘We’re going to have to be very disciplined with our set piece, especially when the Bulls are feeding their scrum or lineout.
‘‘That’ll be part of the challenge for us.
‘‘If we can get that part right then we’ll deny them the opportunities that they’re looking for.’’
The Bulls’ increased threat in open play had not been lost on the team, though.
In particular their danger on the counterattack was something Mauger was keen to limit.
He said it would be important to cut down the space the Bulls’ backs had to work with.
The match would be the Highlanders’ first of a threegame stretch against South African teams.
The team travels to Durban to play the Sharks next week, then returns to Dunedin to face the Lions the week after.