Ahead of his 150th cap, Johan Grobbelaar warns the Glasgow Warriors that the Bulls are peaking at the perfect time for Saturday's URC semi-final at Murrayfield. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The dictum “it is not how you start, it’s how you finish” suits the Bulls perfectly, reckons Johan Grobbelaar, after alluding to his team’s seven defeats in a row near the start of the season compared to their current run of eight wins in their last nine games.
The Bulls play the Glasgow Warriors — ironically, the team to last beat them — on Saturday in Edinburgh in the semi-finals of the United Rugby Championship (URC).
“We are peaking at the right time, when it really matters,” said Grobbelaar, who is set to earn his 150th cap for the Bulls.
“We were not at our best at the start of the season, but over the last few matches, even though we have been far from perfect, we are building nicely. You would rather have your form this way around over the season.
“Last week we performed well to beat Munster (45-14, in the URC quarter-final), we seem to be getting a bit better each time we play, and hopefully that continues on Saturday.”
The Bulls have scored 45 or more points in their last three games, and their defence is also tightening up. But they will still have to do better against a Warriors team that is unbeaten at home this season.
Speaking of home, the Glaswegians have moved the game to Murrayfield in the Scottish capital. What they lose from the advantage of their 4G surface at Scotstoun will be made up for by a far bigger crowd than the 7 000 they usually get.
“Glasgow are probably the best balanced team in the competition,” Grobbelaar said. “They have shown that consistently all season. There are few weaknesses you can target, so you have to be on top of your game.”
If the Bulls are to turn the tables on a Glasgow team that has beaten them in their last three encounters, Grobbelaar says they have to be ultra-efficient.
“It comes down to the basics,” the 10-cap Springbok said. “We need a dominant set-piece, create momentum, and be clinical. We have to cut out the silly errors that are still creeping in from time to time.
“In semi-final rugby, when you get into the 22, you have to take your opportunities and put points on the board.”
The Bulls left for Edinburgh on Tuesday night.