Set-piece domination the key to a Bulls victory, says Potgieter

BULLS captain Dewald Potgieter says his side will be looking for set-piece domination against the Brumbies in their Super Rugby semi-final at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria today.

“The Brumbies play total rugby which is similar to the type of rugby we play and, given that it is a semi-final, the greatest aspect of play would be the set pieces,” said Potgieter, who has 66 Super Rugby caps, and has won two titles with the Bulls.

“The team that dominates the set pieces will control possession and will play in the right areas for most of the match.”

Despite the Bulls’ home-ground advantage, there is little to choose between the two sides with the match likely to go down to the wire.

The stadium has done justice to its reputation as ‘ Fort Loftus’, with the Bulls not losing a match there, so far, this year.

The three-time Super Rugby champions have also never lost a semi-final at their base and will be looking to win their fourth semifinal.

The Brumbies have lost their past three matches against the Bulls at Loftus – with their last victory in the capital dating back execute everything, because the youngsters look up to you.

“We are fortunate to have senior players who know you have to bring the energy when it matters. It doesn’t help to make a big deal out of it at the beginning of the week.”

The Brumbies, coached by former Springbok coach Jake White, have not played in a Super Rugby final in nine years and the Australians would be determined to ensure a final berth.

White is a wily tactician and would have done all his homework ahead of the match, and the Bulls will have to be spot-on in the execution of their game plan.

Bulls flyhalf Morne Steyn is pivotal in that plan and his performance on Saturday could – as often is the case – be a deciding factor.

“When one talks about the territory game, Morne is the guy you want at number 10 to lead the charge,” Potgieter said.

“He knows exactly what the team’s strengths are and how to bring them out in a match.

“It is important for your number nine and 10 to make the decisions and Morne is one of the best in the world in that department.” – Sapa

GALLO IMAGES MY TERRITORY: Bulls captain Dewald Potgieter says flyhalf Morne Steyn is the perfect man for a territory-based game ahead of today’s Super Rugby clash at Loftus.