Vodacom Bulls flanker Cyle Brink has emphasised neutralising the Pumas’ forwards on Saturday to avoid another heavy defeat to the Currie Cup title-holders this season.
In a highly anticipated clash set to take place in Nelspruit this week, the Bulls will be facing off against the defending champions and as the sides prepare for battle, Brink issued a stark reminder to his teammates of their opening round clash at Loftus Versfeld.
The Pumas laid waste to the hosts after a dominant first-half performance, scoring four tries, and then ran in five more over the course of the second half for the final score of 63-15 for the men from Mpumalanga.
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Speaking in a Bulls media conference on Tuesday, Brink remarked: “They are a forward-dominated side, so they like to use their forwards quite close to the ruck. They like to scrum; they like to maul. If you can neutralise that threat and keep your composure, keep control of the game, then I think we will be in a pretty good place.
“We can’t let the game become loose.”
Last week, the Bulls fought tooth and nail against the Lions at Ellis Park for a bonus-point 33-32 win, to remain in contention for the playoffs. The Pumas, though were denied any consolation log points after going down 22-14 to Western Province.
Reflecting on the victory over the Lions, Brink felt that a lack of discipline and missed tackles allowed their opponents to stage a comeback, adding: “I believe it shouldn’t have been that tight, especially with the start that we had. A bit of ill-discipline and a couple of slipped tackles let them back into the game.
“As a team we need to learn and grow, and when we are in that position, we must put the opposition away.”
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Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
