For Bulls it is now do-or-die

Ken Borland

The Blue Bulls’ defensive system is not broken, it was just small individual errors that caused their final-quarter slip-up against the Golden Lions last weekend, according to fullback Divan Rossouw (above).

The Lions came from 35-24 down after 65 minutes to win 38-35, thanks to two fine tries by electrifying No 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, but Rossouw said they still trust the same defensive system to work this weekend against Griquas in Kimberley.

“The previous weekend it was handling errors that cost us and now it was two slip-ups on defence and in terms of discipline. But defensively we have our plans in place, it was just small mistakes that cost us.

“They are things we can fix quickly, we’re not too worried about them. In Super Rugby we had quite an issue defensively as well, but we sorted that out and we believe it’s a similar situation now.

“A big part of it is keeping our patience, that’s the big thing we’ve been working on. It’s the Currie Cup, but it’s not such a big contrast to Super Rugby – on paper you’re still up against strong sides, there are a lot of Boks involved, so we have to stay in the game for 80 minutes,” Rossouw said.

Having lost two games in a row, it is now do-or-die for the Blue Bulls if they are to make the semifinals, and Rossouw warned that the situation is similar for Griquas, who have lost both the games they have played.

“It is always a tough battle in Kimberley, Griquas are not a bad side, they’re very strong at home and very emotional.

“There are quite a few Bulls supporters there, but we are going to have to bring our A game,” the Namibian said.