Bulls on a mission in Christchurch
The Bulls are out for revenge against the Crusaders, the Super 14 defending champions, when the two sides meet on Saturday morning (8am SA time) in Christchurch.
Bulls kicking coach Vlok Cilliers admits that last year the Crusaders totally flummoxed their opposition at Loftus Versfeld and by the time the Bulls woke up in the game, they were already 22-3 down on their home field as their game fell apart.
Now, the Bulls want to gain some revenge for that humiliating home defeat.
True, there are few players that kick tactically as well as Daniel Carter, as coach Heyneke Meyer pointed out this week, but the Bulls know that anything similar to last year could put a massive dent in what has already been a successful tour for them in Australasia.
The Crusaders will be without their All Black stars, who return to action next week. For those who will be fighting for their places it is a last chance to impress coach Robbie Deans.
The Bulls have been reminded how they lost the game at Loftus and again in the semifinal encounter in Christchurch but while Cilliers admits the tactical game has been a big part of their preparation, he also points out one key difference with last year's game and that is flyhalf Derick Hougaard.
Hougaard has returned to the form that made him a Springbok and certainly is an integral part of the Bulls game at the moment, after last year missing the game through injury.
"They (Crusaders) did catch us last year with their tactics, but we know what to expect," Cilliers said.
"They were too good for us in the semis last year but we adapted better to their kicking game. This week we have had extra sessions on covering kicks and ensuring we use the tactical kicks to our advantage."
Cilliers admitted that Hougaard was a big part of that plan.
"Derick has got a lot of self confidence at the moment. This especially since he made the mindshift to start playing a lot flatter and more attacking in the backline.
"He has worked well with backline coach Todd Louden and you can see him growing in confidence with every game.
"I think people have forgotten how good Derick can be, but he is slowly reminding them.
"The more he plays, the better he will get. The Springbok coach can choose who he wants, but Derick is certainly right up there with the best in the country and he will continue to prove himself in this competition," said Cilliers.
Hougaard's drop goals may have been a little bit overdone last week against the Waratahs, but Cilliers says it is all part of a plan.
"Every time he tried one, it meant their forwards had to turn around and run back to the 22.
"I believe we are close to seeing the match-winning Derick of old this weekend."
The Bulls will also need Jaco van der Westhuyzen to be at his best, while midfielder Marius Delport faces a big test at outside centre against the tough and speedy Casey Laulala.
Either way you look at it, the Bulls have a great chance of victory, especially with the Crusaders having decided not to play their national team players.
Squads:
Crusaders:
Scott Hamilton, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Caleb Ralph, Stephen Brett, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali'i, Johnny Leo'o, Kieran Read, Ross Filipo, Michael Paterson, Campbell Johnsone, Corey Flynn, (captain), Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks, Isaac Ross, Peter Nixon, Andrew Ellis, Tusi Pisi, Brent Ward.
Bulls:
Jaco van der Westhuyzen; Akona Ndungane, Marius Delport, Wayne Julies, Bryan Habana; Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez (captain); Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Danie Rossouw, Francois van Schouwenburg, Bakkies Botha, Danie Thiart, Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp.
Reserves: Derick Ku?n, Ruan Vermeulen, Victor Matfield, Anton Leonard, Heinie Adams, Morn? Steyn, Frikkie Welsh.
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia).
Kick off: 8.35am.
TV: SuperSport.