Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee was more bemused than angry after being flashed a yellow card by referee Ru Campbell during his side’s 34-26 win against Ulster.
Coetzee said the official had been far off when he went towards him to question a decision, only for him to see the card. He said he had no idea why.
“It is what it is, and I’m disappointed because Ulster gathered a lot of momentum, though the boys did well to hold them out. We just want a little more clarity in the communication [by the referee].”
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Despite the card, Coetzee emerged in credit. He carried strongly and was rewarded with two tries that knocked the stuffing out of his former team.
“First of all, I feel very blessed to play again and to captain the team,” he remarked on having been out for several weeks with a knee injury.
“It’s so much easier with strong leaders around you. That came through in the last couple of minutes, when the pressure was on and the boys pulled together, including the final call to go for the penalty kick rather than give them a point.
“That was backing from the leadership, because we know long-term what difference those points can make on the log.
“It was a compliment to the bravery of the team. It was also special to play against Ulster, a club I served for five years, and to show them respect with a performance.”
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Commenting on the performance amid several injuries, which forced a backline rejig,Coetzee said he was satisfied.
“For most of the game our plan went well, in where and how we wanted to attack. We got one or two decisions or options wrong. But the boys did well in the first half and again early in the second, scoring from a drive exactly where we wanted to attack.
“There were some good adjustments, and everybody played their part despite the injuries.”
Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images
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Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee was more bemused than angry after being flashed a yellow card by referee Ru Campbell during his side’s 34-26 win against Ulster. Coetzee said the official had been far off when he went towards him to question a decision, only for him to see the card. He said he had no idea why. “It is what… Read more →
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