Springbok Stars Drive Bulls’ Dominance Ahead of Sharks Clash
With a backline featuring several Springbok players, it’s no surprise that the Bulls have made them a central part of their game strategy this season.
This approach is evident when you consider that their back three includes Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, and Kurt-Lee Arendse. Add to this the talents of Embrose Papier and Johan Goosen at scrumhalf and flyhalf, and the exceptional David Kriel at the centre, and it’s clear why the Pretoria team has been so successful, leading the United Rugby Championship with 81 tries and 613 points.
Embrose Papier is set to remain a key player for the Bulls until 2027, further solidifying their robust lineup.
Jake White and his coaching staff deserve credit for fostering an aggressive, attack-oriented game plan. However, there are lingering concerns about their defensive stability, highlighted by the 34 and 35 points they conceded in their recent matches against Glasgow and Benetton.
While White and his players believe their defense has improved and will be more resilient in close matches and the playoffs, it’s crucial to prevent easy points, especially in tomorrow’s final league game against the Sharks in Durban, scheduled for a 4:10 pm kick-off.
One effective strategy to bolster their defense is to utilize their forwards more effectively. While Arendse and his fellow backs are incredibly dangerous with the ball, occasional loose passes or knock-ons can create opportunities for the opposition.
In their recent game against Benetton, the Bulls demonstrated this tactic well. By engaging the Italian team’s defense through multiple phases with their forwards, they opened up spaces out wide, eventually scoring nine tries.
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