Bulls seek historic win in Belfast as Springbok Handre Pollard boosts URC touring squad

The Bulls have never beaten Ulster in Belfast, and they will face the tricky task of trying to change that statistic on Saturday as they aim to kick off their first United Rugby Championship (URC) tour match on a winning note.

After two bonus-point victories in Pretoria, the Bulls sit at the top of the URC log, but they know how quickly things can change if they don’t start well away from home. They had some relative success in Europe last season; however, winning in northern conditions remains a major challenge for South African teams.

Following the clash with Ulster, the Bulls will also face fellow Irish side Connacht and former Scottish champions, the Glasgow Warriors — a demanding start to their tour.

The Loftus-based side has travelled to Belfast with 13 Springboks in the squad. The likes of flyhalf Handré Pollard, utility back Canan Moodie, and utility front-rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels — all part of the Rugby Championship-winning Boks — are expected to add experience and momentum to the unbeaten outfit.

Springbok hooker Johan Grobbelaar, who will captain the side in the absence of Marcell Coetzee, said on Wednesday that the team had a smooth trip and are in a positive mood after back-to-back wins.

“It’s good to have the Springboks among us — they bring experience and new energy,” Grobbelaar said.

“Handré is one of the best flyhalves in the world, with heaps of experience. He’s been at the Bulls before, so it’s not new to him. Yes, he left for a couple of seasons, but it’s great to have him back. His calmness on the field will make a massive difference in managing the game.

“He’s also played up north with Leicester Tigers, so he knows the wet conditions. It’s going to be good playing with him again.”

According to Grobbelaar, the Bulls still have areas they want to sharpen — particularly their finishing.

The stand-in captain believes they can put more points on the board if they convert more opportunities in the opposition 22. With potentially tricky conditions expected in Belfast, the Bulls know that every scoring opportunity will count if they want to leave Affidea Stadium with a result.

“On defence, we’re also leaking too many tries. We’ve got a few work-ons there, and I believe we’ll be much better, he said.

The conditions will be different — probably windier and wetter — but we’ll adapt. Hopefully, we can improve our points difference, get the win, and secure a bonus point.”