Bulls ready for semi-final crack

09/09/2024 12:47 PM

Phiwe Nomlomo says the Vodacom Bulls are confident that a semi-final clash against the Sharks XV at Loftus Versfeld will be a different game than their final-round loss in torrential rain in Durban.

The Vodacom Bulls will host the Sharks XV in the second Currie Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld, having secured second place on the log.

Nomlomo’s side have been unbeaten for most of the competition and are eager to cap off the campaign by progressing past a strong Sharks team to the final.

“We are fortunate enough to have played so well that we have a home playoff,” Nomlomo said. We are going to give it our best crack, that goes without saying.

“We’ve had good meeting today so when we come back tomorrow, we know what needs to happen. We know we need to come at 5pm on Saturday and really get stuck in and make sure we get the result.

“The mandate stays the same. It’s for us to win games,” Nomlomo added. “That’s what we’re about at the Bulls. We’ve reached the playoffs, so everything is geared towards this weekend. The Sharks have a quality side. They will try and bolster their side.

“The biggest thing for us is to stick to our guns. We know exactly what needs to happen.”

The Bulls will go into Saturday’s clash having lost their last two games, most recently against the Sharks in a wet-weather encounter in Durban.

Nomlomo is not too concerned over the speed wobble, as the Bulls used the match at Kings Park to give some of their regular URC campaigners game time.

“Not at all. I know it sounds funny for me to say that, because we changed the team holistically this past weekend and we knew guys were going to be rusty.

“For us, it was just about guys getting a hit out. There were certain things we wanted to see and we saw those things. We are in a good place for this weekend.

“The approach will be very different, with the Sharks playing at altitude. In that second half they played away from the lineout and kicked a lot of contestables. If they come with the same game plan, let’s see if they can keep the ball in play as long as possible at altitude.”

Nomlomo confirmed that the Bulls will be without veteran centre Harold Vorster after the centre suffered a fractured nose over the weekend, adding to a lengthy injury list.

The Bulls are also waiting to hear from SA Rugby over which of their players will be called up for the Springboks’ tour of Argentina.

“We have moved on from where we were and now we are up to 20 players unavailable for selection because of injuries. You take out the Boks and we are left with what we are left with,” Nomlomo said.

“We will hear on Tuesday. We are not too sure who they are calling up from us. So we will only name our team internally tomorrow. We are waiting to hear around that.”

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

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