Bulls target Welsh win as SA sides enter defining URC stretch
RUGBY
Eighthman Cameron Hanekom and his Bulls teammates will look to put their disappointing loss in the Champions Cup against the Glasgow Warriors behind them as they refocus on the URC and securing a Top 8 place.
Image: EPCR
A week of recovery and preparation in France must now translate onto the field for the Bulls as they restart their United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign against the Dragons in Wales this Friday.
Following their loss to the Glasgow Warriors in the Champions Cup, the Bulls opted against travelling straight to Wales. Instead, the squad spent a week in France to avoid being stuck in the United Kingdom for over a month during this overseas trip.
That French excursion would have given the team a valuable opportunity to clear their heads after a tough exit from Europe’s elite competition, and to refocus on securing their place in the URC Top 8. With four matches remaining — including back-to-back fixtures in Wales — before returning to Pretoria for two home games, the stakes are high for their playoff aspirations.
That makes the next two matches particularly important for the Loftus side.
Currently sitting eighth, the Bulls find themselves just one point ahead of Connacht and know that any slip-up could cost them their place in the top tier. A defeat would also allow the Sharks to edge closer, with the Durban side likewise chasing a Top 8 finish.
However, only the Irish outfit can overtake the Bulls this weekend — and they face the Stormers on Saturday in Cape Town. Head coach Johan Ackermann and his charges will therefore be hoping for a favour from their South African counterparts.
Ackermann’s men impressed against the Warriors, but left points out on the field — something they will be keen to rectify. The Dragons are a notoriously tough side at home, and a Friday night fixture in challenging Welsh conditions is never straightforward.
The Bulls are unbeaten against the Welsh side in the URC, while the Dragons have managed just two league wins this season. Still, that does not mean the visitors can simply arrive expecting victory.
For the Bulls, it is all about rebuilding momentum as they push for a playoff spot. They must block out the disappointment of their Champions Cup exit, as well as the distractions of end-of-season player departures and the historically poor away form of South African sides in the competition.
If they can do that, a five-point win could well be within reach on Friday evening.
The Stormers and Lions will also have opportunities next Saturday to strengthen their positions in the Top 8 with crucial home fixtures.
Currently sitting fifth, the Lions face the Warriors at Ellis Park, but much will depend on the squad the Scottish side brings to South Africa. Glasgow need just one win from their next two matches — the other coming against the Stormers — to remain at the summit and out of reach of the chasing pack.
That means either the Lions or the Stormers could come up against a full-strength Warriors outfit, which would present a significant challenge. For the Lions, however, the focus will remain firmly on their own performance as they look to secure another memorable home victory.
Meanwhile, the Sharks travel to Wales to take on the Ospreys on Saturday evening, with the equation straightforward — win and remain in contention for a play-off place.
Another defeat, however, could derail their URC campaign and effectively bring an early end to their season. Two overseas victories are now non-negotiable for the Durban side as they attempt to salvage what has been a largely disappointing campaign.