Bulls expect anything from 'sharp' Stormers
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Centre Harold Vorster says the Vodacom Bulls will have their heads on a swivel to cope with the speed and guile of the Stormers backs when the teams clash on Saturday.
Speaking in the buildup to the blockbuster Vodacom URC North-South derby at Cape Town Stadium, Vorster is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits the Bulls against John Dobson's charges.
"You can expect anything from the Stormers, especially with their backs," the seasoned midfielder told reporters on Tuesday. "They're quick, they're sharp… It's important for us to work on and implement the basics, and I believe we can do that."
With centres Ruhan Nel, Wandisile Simelane and Jonathan Roche capable of providing the platform for a Stormers back three of Warrick Gelant, Ben Loader and Leolin Zas, the Bulls will need to be sharp defensively.
An unsung hero in the Bulls midfield, the 31-year-old Vorster's focus is on unleashing Bulls flyers such as Sebastian de Klerk and Sergeal Petersen: "I keep working on my communication with the wingers and getting them ball in space as soon as possible."
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The Bulls have won their last two matches in all competitions and sit third on the overall URC standings while the Stormers, in 12th place, are desperate to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Leinster.
The conditions in Cape Town are expected to be testing, with a 2pm kickoff in warm weather. Vorster knows both teams will need to adapt. "I believe the conditions will be challenging for both teams, but we have to be prepared for that."
After a difficult period that saw the Bulls lose four in a row, the Bulls have regained their form with convincing wins over Stade Français and the Lions.
"We've built up some momentum to write off some of the effects from those losses. It helps to win as soon as possible," Vorster said. "So we've built up that momentum over the last two games and we're looking forward to this weekend."
Travelling for a local derby brings a different challenge to playing abroad, but Vorster believes both come with their own difficulties. "Obviously, travelling overseas makes things difficult, and a local derby, everyone is up for it."
Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images
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