Bulls ready to get physical
The Bulls are expecting a massive physical onslaught this weekend when they face the Waratahs in Sydney's Aussie Stadium.
After their own disappointing performance in the set pieces last week, coach Heyneke Meyer named virtually the same team that beat the Brumbies for the clash - with the only change being the enforced one because of the injury to fullback Johan Roets.
Akona Ndungane will move into the right wing position, while Jaco van der Westhuyzen moves across to his more favoured fullback position in the only changes from the team that beat the Brumbies 19-7.
But the decision by the Waratahs to name three loose-forwards that are big and powerful, and whose combined weight is more than 350kg, shows that they are intent on bullying the Pretoria side into submission when they meet them on Saturday.
"It is quite obvious what they have done," said Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer. "They have decided to meet strength with strength and will begin the game with some big players.
"We know it is going to be physical, but we are more than ready for a game like that.
"The main reason they have done that is to try to neutralise our driving mauls.
"They want more muscle to take us on up front and in the scrums. The Waratahs have a great pack of forwards and they play very similarly to us, so it will be difficult.
"The Waratahs will ask different questions of us this weekend," said Meyer.
"They are a team that plays a lot more direct.
"We need to be more consistent in our defence and that we have drummed home this entire week. With a guy like defensive coach Les Kiss at the helm, they drive well and are organised up front.
"I told the players we must not make the mistake but judging them on current form.
"They have played three games away from home and are on a run at home where they will be dangerous."
To counter this, the Bulls have added two extra scrumming sessions this week and believe the momentum they have built up will be more than enough for them to match the Waratahs in the physical stakes.
Bulls team:
Jaco van der Westhuyzen; Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wayne Julies, Bryan Habana; Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez; Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Danie Rossouw, Victor Matfield (captain), Bakkies Botha, Danie Thiart, Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp.
Reserves: Jaco Engels, Ruan Vermeulen, Anton Leonard, Derick Kuün, Heinie Adams, Morné Steyn, Marius Delport.