Leonard backs Bulls to bully Highlanders
Former Bulls captain Anton Leonard believes that last weekend's disintegration against the Crusaders was a blip on the radar and has backed his team-mates to spring a surprise in Dunedin on Saturday morning (SA time) against the Highlanders.
Leonard believes his team-mates have broken the psychological barrier of touring, but need to prove a point against a team they lost 23-0 to two seasons ago on their last visit to Dunedin.
The silver-haired flanker, who now coaches Outeniqua Ho?rskool in George and runs a successful restaurant, was elevated from the bench to start his 50th game on Saturday.
Leonard believes the Bulls need to approach the game with the right mind-set this weekend in their quest for a first victory in Dunedin.
"Last time out we lost 23-0 over here and they destroyed us up front. They totally dominated us in the set phases.
"We know how that can happen if we are not at our best and we also know that if we win this one, then we have had the most successful tour in Bulls history," Leonard said.
"The Highlanders play a similar sort of rugby to us and they have a strong pack of forwards.
"We know that this is where we will have to start to turn the game our way. They have a good halfback combination.
"Their flyhalf, Nick Evans, is an exceptional player who doesn't shy away from contact and who can step as well.
"He has a good boot and can easily get over the advantage line."
Leonard believes this is the best tour he has been on and credits coach Heyneke Meyer's new approach to the game for the change of heart of the team.
But he believes his 50th cap for the Bulls is something special.
"I made 50 two years ago, counting the Stormers caps I have, but I retired on 43 for the Bulls. I am honoured to get my 50th cap and part of our success this year is that we have five or six players who have 50 to 60 caps in the team. It helps a lot."
Leonard admits he struggled in the beginning to achieve fitness, but was fitter than ever by the time the Sharks game came around.
"It was lekker to come back here. I never felt like I left and I knew my role in the team straight away.
"Fourie (du Preez) and Victor (Matfield) both have done a lot to ensure the tour is going well and it's just great."
"When I was approached, my wife told me to 'go for it' and in retrospect, I am so glad I did."
Leonard believes the Bulls can win the game.
So much so that he sees a totally different approach from the Crusaders game. That one, he says, went badly from the start of the week with cold, sleet and rain hampering the preparations.
This time around Leonard believes the Bulls are ready, as long as they ensure they dominate up front.
Teams:
Highlanders:
Glen Horton; Loakimo Mulipola, Matt Saunders, Aaron Bancroft, Viliame Waqaseduadua; Nick Evans, Jimmy Cowan; Ezra Taylor, Josh Blackie (captain), Craig Newby; James Ryan, Hoani MacDonald, Chris King, Jason MacDonald, Clarke Dermody.
Reserves: Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman, Kane Thompson, Alando Soakai, Toby Morland, Callum Bruce, James Wilson
Bulls:
Jaco van der Westhuyzen; Akona Ndungane, Frikkie Welsh, Wayne Julies, Bryan Habana; Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez; Anton Leonard, Wikus van Heerden, Danie Rossouw; Victor Matfield (captain), Bakkies Botha, Rayno Gerber, Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Jaco Engels, Danie Thiart, Pedrie Wannenburg, Derick Kuun, Heini Adams, Morne Steyn, Marius Delport.