Bulls have lots still to play for

Despite losing ground on the frontrunners in the SA Super Rugby Conference, the Bulls firmly believe they can still qualify for a play-off spot, making their match against the Brumbies at Loftus Versfeld today a must-win affair.

As a further incentive, a host of Bulls stars are in line to be included in Rassie Erasmus’ first Springbok squad tonight, meaning it’s all to play for tonight.

The Bulls are desperate to bounce back from their heavy loss at the hands of the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last weekend and the Brumbies are preparing for a backlash. The Aussie side have only won three of their 11 matches and are also still reeling from their 42-24 loss against the Lions at Ellis Park last Saturday.

The Brumbies suffered a huge loss when lock Rory Arnold was banned for three weeks following his shoulder charge on Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies.

But coach John Mitchell (above) isn’t counting his chickens before they hatch.

“The Brumbies have perhaps been unlucky this year, they have good individuals who will test you across the field,” he said.

“We have to keep working and fighting. We are growing but have also let ourselves down.”

Bulls centre and skipper Burger Odendaal is back after missing last week’s trip to Argentina through injury, which sees Springbok Handre Pollard resuming his flyhalf duties.

Among the forwards, Nic de Jager is selected at flank and Jaco Visagie swops jerseys with hooker Adriaan Strauss.

The Bulls still have to travel to Singapore to face the Sunwolves before hosting the high-flying Jaguares and then crossing the Jukskei to face their neighbours at Ellis Park. – Sports Staff