Altitude no scare factor for Chiefs

THE Bulls are hoping the altitude in Pretoria will work in their favour, but the Chiefs are not in the least fazed by the conditions at Loftus Versfeld.

The South African side take on their New Zealand counterparts in what promises to be a thrilling Super Rugby encounter between the defending champions and the former Super 15 title holders.

With a 3pm kickoff, one would expect a bit of an uphill battle for the Chiefs, not only against a resurgent Bulls side, but the usually blistering heat of Pretoria as well. However, Pretoria is expected to have its coolest day of the week tomorrow, with a predicted high temperature of 24°C and a possibility of light showers.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke still hopes the altitude of the Highveld will assist his side.

“The altitude will definitely play a role,” he said. “If we apply the pressure and we are accurate in defence and attack, that will be our focus. We need to play well.”

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie seemed less concerned about the altitude and weather conditions in Pretoria, indicating his side was well accustomed to playing in any conditions.

“We are based in Hamilton where it’s consistently 27°C to 28°C – really hot humidity. So we are used to training in such conditions, and we spent a bit of time in Perth, it’s pretty warm there, early 30s. Our boys are looking forward to playing a day game – we don’t get too many of them at home. We’re a pretty tough side.”

Rennie is more concerned about the threat posed by the Bulls on the pitch, given their turnaround in recent weeks after a slow start to the season. The side have won their previous three matches on the trot after starting the season off with two defeats.

The Chiefs suffered their first defeat of the season to the Force last weekend.

“They [Bulls] are a proud team. They have three championships behind them. They got off to a slower start than we would expect . . . They are a good side and will be tough to face,” Rennie said.

The last time the Chiefs beat the Bulls in Pretoria was in 2001. Out of eight games there, the Bulls have won six and the visitors two.