Matfield predicts try fest at Loftus

TRIES, tries and more tries can be expected when the Bulls take on the Chiefs this weekend as the New Zealand sides provide “opportunities to play”, Bulls captain Victor Matfield says.

The two teams clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The Bulls are riding high on the back of three successive victories, with the latest a 23-19 win over Super Rugby log-leaders the Sharks last weekend.

The wounded defending champions, the Chiefs, on the other hand will be out to redeem themselves after suffering their first defeat of the season last weekend against the Western Force.

“The past is the past,” Matfield said yesterday on the Bulls’ success against the Chiefs over the years. The last time the New Zealanders won a game against the Bulls at Loftus was in 2001.

“So far this year they have been really good, they have lost only one game – that is bad for us because they will be a lot sharper this weekend.”

Matfield highlighted the difference between playing in local derbies and facing teams from New Zealand, adding that playing the visitors added spark to the game.

“When South African sides play, there is a lot of kicking – guys almost don’t want to give opportunities in their own half – whereas if you are playing New Zealand sides they want to score tries and go out there and play. That gives you the opportunity to play as well,” he said.

Coach Frans Ludeke has made only a solitary change to Saturday’s lineup with Akona Ndungane returning to the wing in place of Sampie Mastriet, who falls completely out of the match 23.