If anyone knows how to shake up the Currie Cup, it's the Vodacom Bulls' coach Phiwe Nomlomo, whose strategy of blending youth with experience has propelled his team to the top of the leaderboard. Following a whopping 48-23 victory over Western Province and a record-shattering 64-0 thumping of the Sharks, Nomlomo shared his secret sauce with SIMON BORCHARDT.
While the Sharks and WP are betting big on their fledglings, eyeing the URC season that's just around the corner, the Bulls, along with the Lions, are playing a different game. "I think this is the best time for the Currie Cup because of what we face during the year," Nomlomo explained, pointing to the packed schedule that includes the EPCR and URC.
"I don’t want to get into what other teams are doing, but I honestly think unions can be smarter with how they recruit and how they use their players. We know why we’re doing things the way we are."
The Bulls' strategy isn't just talk; it's about smart rotation, keeping the squad fresh amidst a grueling season. "We’re going to face a couple of challenges in the next few weeks – with the U19s, U21s, Currie Cup, and URC – so it’s going to take all hands on deck," Nomlomo added, highlighting the necessity of their tactical approach.
Despite their recent dominant performances, Nomlomo isn't worried about his team getting complacent. "Every Monday we come in knowing exactly what we need to do. The scoreboard is just an outcome of that process. Whether it’s a two-point win or a two-point loss, if we’ve given our best shot, that’s good enough."
Looking ahead, the Bulls are bracing for a fierce clash against the Pumas, a team that's had its own rollercoaster start to the season. "Coach [Jimmy] Stonehouse coaches hard men," Nomlomo remarked, acknowledging the tough opposition his players will face.
"We’ve got guys in our squad who played under him, and you can see the grit and resilience they’ve got. We’ll have to earn every carry, every tackle, every kick. It’s going to be a really good contest."
Despite the pressure, Nomlomo is confident in his team's versatility. "Our 9, 10, and 12 [Zak Burger, Jaco van der Walt, and Chris Smit] have played a fair bit together... We’re good enough to find other ways to win," he concluded, ready to adapt and overcome whatever the Pumas throw their way.