Bulls brace for familiar Glasgow storm in Champions Cup knockout clash

There’s a calm confidence around the Bulls camp this week as they gear up to face a familiar opponent in a high-pressure Champions Cup clash.

On Saturday, they step into the cauldron against the Glasgow Warriors in the Round of 16, and they know the challenge that awaits them at Scotstoun Stadium (7.30pm kick-off).

For captain Marcell Coetzee and his Bulls, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. These two sides have been facing each other for half a decade in the United Rugby Championship (URC), building a rivalry through big matches.

Now, it’s set to turn up a notch as the two sides battle for European supremacy in what is shaping up to be a mouth-watering contest in Scotland.

“We’ve been going at each other for the last few years now,” Coetzee said about the challenge.

“We’ve played finals against each other. So ja, it’s the animal that you know very well — but Glasgow’s a class outfit.”

Coetzee is quick to point out that the Warriors at home is a different challenge altogether. Plenty of their continued success, he believes, comes down to the influence of their South African head coach, Franco Smith.

“What Franco has done with them has been exceptional,” Coetzee added.

“Especially here at home, they take their game to another level.”

That “level” is what the Bulls have spent the week preparing for — not just physically, but mentally. Because in matches like these, momentum can be everything. And the Bulls will want to be the team that starts quickly to stifle the home side and not let them get comfortable with their game.

“Staying in the fight and disrupting them is our goal. It’ll be tight, and it will come down to moments. If you let Glasgow score early and build a lead, you’re going to be in for a long day.”