The Vodacom Bulls have been hit with a flu bug, causing a last-minute shuffle to their lineup against Benetton in the upcoming URC clash. Team captain Marcell Coetzee and wing Kurt-Lee Arendse are sidelined due to illness, with Jeandré Rudolph and Devon Williams stepping in to fill their boots for Saturday's game at Loftus Versfeld.
Coach Johan Ackermann disclosed the health setback during a Friday press briefing. "Unfortunately, Marcel and Kurt-Lee got a bit of flu. They are still under the weather, so that’s why there are changes with Jeandré Rudolph at six and Devon Williams starting on the wing," Ackermann explained. The Bulls, however, will see the return of Stravino Jacobs from injury, who will be on the bench, boosting the team's options.
"We are not across the line yet. The carrot is there for a home playoff, so we must win. That’s where our energy has been all week."
Ackermann emphasized the importance of focus and the physical and mental preparation against Benetton, who despite being 13th on the log, pose a significant threat. "I told the team all week that we must control what we can control … our attitude, our mindset and how we pitch up at Loftus from the first whistle. It’s a team that could easily have been much higher on the table," he remarked.
The coach also highlighted the danger of underestimating Benetton, especially since this match marks their last game of the season, giving them the freedom to play without reservations. "They have quality players, internationals, and when they are at their best they play very good rugby. The fact that it’s their last game of the season makes them even more dangerous because they have nothing to lose," Ackermann warned.
The stakes are high for the Bulls, as a victory ensures a top-four finish and secures a home-quarter-final. With the team currently positioned fourth, the pressure is palpable, but the Bulls are determined to overcome any challenge, aiming to maintain their competitive edge as the playoffs approach.
TEAM: With Pollard back at 10 and Nortjé leading, the Bulls are geared up for a pivotal showdown that could define their season.
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The Vodacom Bulls have been hit with a flu bug, causing a last-minute shuffle to their lineup against Benetton in the upcoming URC clash. Team captain Marcell Coetzee and wing Kurt-Lee Arendse are sidelined due to illness, with Jeandré Rudolph and Devon Williams stepping in to fill their boots for Saturday's game at Loftus Versfeld.
Coach Johan Ackermann disclosed the health setback during a Friday press briefing. "Unfortunately, Marcel and Kurt-Lee got a bit of flu. They are still under the weather, so that’s why there are changes with Jeandré Rudolph at six and Devon Williams starting on the wing," Ackermann explained. The Bulls, however, will see the return of Stravino Jacobs from injury, who will be on the bench, boosting the team's options.
"We are not across the line yet. The carrot is there for a home playoff, so we must win. That’s where our energy has been all week."
Ackermann emphasized the importance of focus and the physical and mental preparation against Benetton, who despite being 13th on the log, pose a significant threat. "I told the team all week that we must control what we can control … our attitude, our mindset and how we pitch up at Loftus from the first whistle. It’s a team that could easily have been much higher on the table," he remarked.
The coach also highlighted the danger of underestimating Benetton, especially since this match marks their last game of the season, giving them the freedom to play without reservations. "They have quality players, internationals, and when they are at their best they play very good rugby. The fact that it’s their last game of the season makes them even more dangerous because they have nothing to lose," Ackermann warned.
The stakes are high for the Bulls, as a victory ensures a top-four finish and secures a home-quarter-final. With the team currently positioned fourth, the pressure is palpable, but the Bulls are determined to overcome any challenge, aiming to maintain their competitive edge as the playoffs approach.
TEAM: With Pollard back at 10 and Nortjé leading, the Bulls are geared up for a pivotal showdown that could define their season.