Currie Cup triumph for inspiration
the final of Europe’s second-tier competition is not at the same level as a Super Rugby final but Bresler doesn’t see it that way.
“This is a big cup final in a competition involving how many different countries. This is quite huge, especially for a club that is hungry for something like this.”
When it comes to imparting wisdom on how to approach the unique experience of playing in a final – 80 minutes away from the tangible reward of silverware or, alternatively, the dark despondency of defeat, Bresler said: “What every player needs to realise is that it is just another game. You don’t want to over-think things. You don’t want to get too nervous.
“You need to be mentally prepared. As a lock you need to know the lineout codes, do the things you do in every game. I have played in games when you get too nervous and you lose the plot and end up having a bad game. The key to winning a big game is to stay patient and to keep grinding, grinding away, making small yards. Never give up basically. Either way, if you are patient and keep grinding away the other team can break down.”
The fact that the opposition and venue is completely fresh, rather than a team from the same league or one that has been faced earlier in the competition, adds a fresh dynamic to the showdown with Gloucester at Twickenham Stoop.
“Yes it does because you don’t know what it will be like,” agreed Bresler. “I have played against a few English sides in the Challenge Cup but it is exciting because I don’t know what to expect.
“You do see on the tape their strengths and weaknesses but you have never really had that combat against one of their players to physically feel what it is like to play against them.
“You come up against certain guys and find out they are really quick and really strong and you prepare yourself for the next time you play them with that in mind. You know what to expect because you know what he is good at. On Friday it will be new.
“As a sportsman you want to reach the final and be the best.”