The Vodacom Bulls’ one-point win in Galway was gold on the URC log, but the performance was far from convincing, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane argues that the 28-27 escape against Connacht was a reminder that “winning ugly overseas is an art” – but it can’t become a habit if the Bulls want to be champions. Connacht’s missed kicks, not Pretoria’s precision, proved decisive.
Springboks Canan Moodie and Wilco Louw made a telling impact, with Moodie showing “the maturity and finishing class” of a Test regular and Louw adding serious power to the scrum.
But Keohane warns that the Bulls’ soft underbelly is becoming a pattern: “Eighteen tries conceded in four matches. For a team with this firepower, that’s a red flag.”
Johan Ackermann’s rotation strategy on tour showed long-term planning, but his real challenge is tightening up the defence.
“Ackermann’s teams attacked with ambition but defended with pride,” Keohane notes, recalling the coach’s Lions tenure. “This side should be meaner, nastier, and more accountable when they don’t have the ball.”
With Handré Pollard back and a forward pack loaded with Boks, the Bulls have the talent to finish top four – but to lift the trophy, they must defend like champions, not entertainers.
FRANS: I’m letting the team and fans down
Keohane also turned his attention to the Cheetahs, who lost 39-38 to Georgia’s Black Lion in the Toyota Challenge.
“There is also work to be done for Frans Steyn’s Cheetahs in Bloemfontein as they prepare for the EPCR Challenge Cup.
“The Cheetahs will again be based in Amsterdam for their home games and the potential is there that they play Black Lion in the competition.”
Photo: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile via Getty Images
The post Bulls must fix defence to win URC appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Vodacom Bulls’ one-point win in Galway was gold on the URC log, but the performance was far from convincing, writes MARK KEOHANE.
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