Bulls are determined to bounce back

The Bulls team feel that they let themselves down against the Jaguares last weekend and the hosts will be determined to put that right when they host the Brumbies in their Super Rugby match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, according to wing Travis Ismaiel (above).

“We felt confident, we had our preparation going, and we did not underestimate the Jaguares or expect an easy game, we were caught off-guard in a way,” Ismaiel said.

“From the first kickoff, we didn’t exit properly and if you give the Argentinians a sniff then they are straight in there. We came back, but ultimately we let ourselves down.

“The loss is not weighing on our minds, but we’re not happy with the way we played and we have to make sure we don’t do that against the other teams. We’re chasing our own standards and we wanted to put in a better performance. It’s tough at times, but maybe we need to up the work-rate a bit.”

Before injuries – a back strain being the most recent – disrupted his season, Ismaiel was considered one of the top wings in the country and it has been frustrating for him to watch other players move ahead of him both in terms of national selection and at the Bulls.

“It’s obviously very difficult being on the sidelines, but injuries are part of the game. It’s difficult to keep focused and keep your hope of coming back alive, and I’ve had to work hard to get back here. It’s good to have competition from the other wings because that brings out the best in you and it’s a great feeling to earn your place back.

“I wanted to get stuck in and make a difference for the team, so it’s good to be back out on the field. I feel refreshed and ready to go.

“Obviously the hope is always there of still making the Springboks, but I just stick to what I have to do for the Bulls, we are very process orientated,” Ismaiel said.

...we did not underestimate the Jaguares or expect an easy game, we were caught off-guard in a way.

Travis Ismaiel