Bulls coach hunts home semi before Super Rugby

THE Blue Bulls’s “fairly good” Currie Cup season bodes well for next year’s Super Rugby campaign, newly appointed Bulls Super Rugby coach Nollis Marais says.

Marais, who took over the Currie Cup coaching reins of the Pretoria side at the start of the season, has managed to secure a semifinal spot in his first season in the domestic competition.

They can upgrade that to a home semi if they beat the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday night — it would be the Bulls’ first at Loftus Versfeld since 2008.

Reflecting on a season in which his team has injected flair, class and attractive rugby, largely spearheaded by a youthful bunch of players, Marais is positive of a good start to his reign as Super Rugby coach in the revamped southern hemisphere competition.

“It’s been a fairly good season,” said Marais, whose side has notched up seven wins and suffered two losses.

“I think everybody will be happy that after seven rounds, we had already qualified for a semifinal spot.

“Obviously, there were instances where we left points behind. The worst game we played was against Western Province at Newlands,” said Marais.

“It’s the first time since 2008 that we can get a home semifinal. This is a season where we played a lot of youngsters, with about 14 guys making their debuts this year, seven of whom are under 21.

“It shows good future for us. I got to understand a bit more about certain guys and what they are about. I think our future is bright at the moment.

“The Super Rugby squad is going to be very interesting. A lot of guys who played in the Currie Cup would previously have not had a chance to play.

“There are a few guys who are coming through and will make an impact.”

However, before setting his sights too far ahead, the more pressing issue for the coach is ensuring a home semi is sealed with victory against the Pumas.

The two sides face each other in the last round of league matches at the Mbombela Stadium at 6pm.

The Mpumalanga side have vowed to go in search of an upset win over their more fancied opponents.

Marais is wary of the dangers that could be posed by the sixth-placed side on the log.

“It’s going to be such a physical game,” the coach said. “They obviously are no longer in contention for the playoffs, so they will go all out and be physical. They are a good side, an exceptional mauling side.

“The breakdown will be very interesting with (Pumas flanker) Marnus Schoeman up against Deon Stegmann.

“They have been unlucky with some of their results, otherwise it would have been a different story with them in contention for the play-offs.

“They are going to want to put pressure on us — they will run the ball.”