VIDEO: Bulls have unearthed new 'gem' for Boks

07/21/2024 02:41 AM

Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo believes his side must convert opportunities and become 'more ruthless', to become a special team.

The Bulls ended the defending champion Cheetahs' winning start to their title defence.

Outscoring the visitors by three tries to one, the Bulls recorded a 25-13 Round Three win at Loftus Versfeld, in Pretoria, at the weekend.

That leaves the Pretoria outfit one of just two unbeaten teams in the competition - the table-topping Lions the other.

The Cheetahs' biggest issues were the frequent turnovers they conceded and the alarming penalty count (14) - with a yellow card for repeated infringements.

Dominating possession and territory, the Bulls also paid the Cheetahs for their sloppy set pieces.

The coach said if they improve their finishing ability, they will 'bury' some teams.

"Every point counts," he said of the wasted opportunities, adding: "The most important aspect was to ensure we have a good start at home.

"We achieved that, which is a massive bonus."

He described the Cheetahs as a 'classy' side and it would not be a walk in the park.

(WATCH Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo reviews his team's Currie Cup win over the Cheetahs and the 'special star' that emerged....)

Nomlomo denied the 12 penalties conceded points to a disciplinary problem.

"When they said 'language' it was a bit odd," the coach said about the referee complaining to the Bulls captain about his team's constant back-chatting and demeanour towards the match official.

"We will have a look at it and chat to the referee and see what he thinks."

The coach also suggested loose forward Mpilo Gumede may be on a fast track to the Green and Gold club.

Gumede, who can play in all three positions in the back row, played a crucial role in the bruising win over the Cheetahs.

The uncapped 24-year-old attended the last Bok alignment camp in April and was part of the training squad in the buildup to the Test against Wales in June.

While he may be on the fringes now, he is knocking hard on the Bok door.

"That's what we coach for," Nomlomo said.

"We want to see guys get to the highest tier they can get to.

"He's got massive aspirations and ambitions and that's what we want.

"So the more he puts out performances like this the better it is for us, the better it is for him, and the better it is for the country."

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