Bulls aim to break Belfast hoodoo by going toe-to-toe with 'smart, physical' Ulster

The Bulls are bracing themselves for a physical challenge from Ulster in their opening United Rugby Championship (URC) tour match on Saturday, but they are also acutely aware of the threat posed by their opponents’ dangerous backline.

After two tough games against the Ospreys and defending champions Leinster, the Loftus side believe they are adequately prepared to meet the challenge in Belfast (8.45pm kick-off) – a venue where they have yet to secure a win.

While they currently sit atop the official URC log after two bonus-point victories in Pretoria, they know that a strong start away from home is crucial to maintaining their lead over the chasing pack. However, that’s easier said than done, and the Bulls are focused on doing their talking on the field come Saturday evening.

Still dealing with injuries to several senior players, the log leaders received a timely boost overseas, with several Springboks expected to be named in the match-day squad on Friday. They arrive with winning momentum from the Rugby Championship, but the key question is how they will integrate into the team after missing the pre-season.

The squad selection by head coach Johan Ackermann on Friday will be closely watched, particularly with the likes of Bok fly-half Handré Pollard, utility back Canan Moodie, and front-rowers Wilco Louw and Jan-Hendrik Wessels only recently joining the group.

Including them as starters could disrupt the team’s continuity, but their pedigree, experience, and recent form with the Boks might prove invaluable from the opening whistle.

Pollard’s prowess in the expected wet conditions could be crucial to their cause, while Moodie is excellent under the high ball. The two props were outstanding in the scrum for the Boks and will want to translate that form to their club.

According to stand-in captain Johan Grobbelaar, the team is fully aware of the challenge that awaits them at the Affidea Stadium. 

“They are a physical side with great ball carriers, and they play a smart game,” Grobbelaar said.

“We’ll need to match their physicality and execute a strong rolling maul. If we can get our maul going and stop their momentum, we’ll be in the mix. They’re obviously one of the best sides in the competition, and out of two visits to Belfast, we haven’t won here yet — so we’re aiming for our first.”

On captaining the side, Grobbelaar said he is enjoying the responsibility in the absence of the injured Marcell Coetzee and the resting Bok, Ruan Nortjé. He added that the experience of the other players around him — including the returning Springboks — makes the leadership role easier to handle.