The Bulls will try a hit-and-run approach against the Blues at Albany on Friday as they search for a record haul of overseas Super 12 rugby scalps.
Not that they have much to beat. Since the Super 12 started, the Bulls — or Northern Transvaal — have won just twice in Australia, setting all sorts of dubious records.
Coach Rudy Joubert wants two more victories on this trip to build on the rare win the team claimed last season against the Hurricanes.
The Bulls earned three wins and a draw in South Africa this year and have settled on the Gold Coast as they look to rid themselves of the tag of easybeats while overseas.
The Bulls, who play the Reds in Queensland on April 16, have used their bye week to acclimatise. They will delay their arrival in Auckland until late on Wednesday.
”It means we can leave a lot of luggage here, it suits our plans and we are ready to roll,” team official Wynie Strydom explained.
”Our aim is to improve on our best points tally on tour and with the teams being very even this year, we think we have a strong chance.”
Joubert believed the Bulls had conquered the psychological trauma which has bedevilled their overseas schedules.
Even greater incentive came from new Springbok coach Jake White who declared he would favour players who showed form outside South Africa.
”We embark on the tour with high expectations, since this team have the character, fighting spirit and determination of winners,” Joubert said.
The Bulls have a full squad to pick from, while the Blues are likely to be without specialist openside flanker Daniel Braid for Friday’s game.
Traditionally the Bulls use a style based on their big forwards, a tactic which will challenge a Blues pack who were not at their best against the Waratahs.
”Our set phases were not as accurate as we would have liked,” assistant Blues coach Bruce Robertson said Monday.
”They were fine against the Hurricanes but then dipped again at the weekend. We just have to work harder so things work smoothly between our units.”
Robertson thought the backs had attacked well with clean possession against the Waratahs although they tended to get a bit too flat or force moves from phase play.
Victory against the Waratahs had boosted the Blues’ dwindling confidence, but they still needed to work on their composure.
”Sometimes I feel these guys have just tried to force things, to try too hard or go the extra yard,” said Robertson.
”When we were patient we did well, like the try we organised to Ben Atiga.” – Sapa-NZPA