The Bulls’ Challenge Cup victory over Bayonne in the heart of France has given them the reward of a quarter-final against very different opponents in Edinburgh, but Marcell Coetzee says they have done their homework on the Scots.
The veteran flank said the Scottish teams — from the national side to Glasgow and Edinburgh — have a unique DNA and attack differently from the other European teams.
The Lions recently had first-hand experience of this when they were blown away by the backline skills of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and Coetzee says the Bulls have studied these games (after Edinburgh this week, they play Glasgow in the United Rugby Championship).
“The Scottish teams have developed a brand of rugby that suits their players,” Coetzee explained.
He has extensive knowledge of the Scots from his time at Ulster, while he has also been in Bulls teams that have recently failed in their away matches in Scotland.
“It is always a high tempo game against the Scots,” Coetzee said.
“They love their mini moves in open play, they have forwards that can put guys into space around them. Most of all, they rely on quick ruck speed to help them find the holes in the defence out wide. They are masters at the ruck because the way they want to play depends on fast ball.”
Coetzee said the Bulls have gone to school on this information.
“We have identified how Edinburgh play and are working hard on ways to counter it. Defensively, we will be up to it — you have to be smart and be connected with the boys around you to make the correct decisions at the right time.”
Some time ago, Bulls coach Jake White said that the Bulls are in “play-off” mode until the season ends in late May but now they truly are in knock-out rugby where it will be do or die against Edinburgh in the Challenge Cup.
“Yes, it is the real thing now, but the truth is we were well prepped for what might happen on tour before we left South Africa,” Coetzee said.
“We felt we would win in Bayonne and go through to a quarter-final, so to get the win has set the mood for the tour. We have drawn confidence and are feeding off each other’s positive energy.
“The mindset has been to play to the best of our ability in both tournaments, and stay alive in them both.
“It is a privilege to be staying on in France to prep for Edinburgh,” the 33-year-old said. “You want to win these respected tournaments.
“To win in the special atmosphere of a Bayonne home game was special. It has given our belief a big boost. We have proof that we can tour well and win in the toughest of circumstances if we get our structures and mindset right.”
Coetzee said the key to winning is a team culture built around enjoyment.
“We want to respect each other and fight for each other, and find a way to win in tough conditions. We are finding enjoyment in that.”
