Elrigh Louw has a clear message for the Bulls’ Investec Champions Cup rivals: they blew their chance at home last season and are determined to make amends.
The Bulls lost both of their pool matches at Loftus, to Bordeaux Bègles and the Bristol Bears, and suffered a heavy away defeat to the Northampton Saints. However, a narrow win against Pau in France saw them sneak into the round of 16 where they lost to the Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium.
Louw was direct when asked how desperate the squad is to progress further this season.
“I think we let it slip last season at home,” said the Springbok loose forward. “So definitely we want to win the games at home and then make a statement overseas.”
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He also pushed back on the idea that South African sides treat the tournament as a sideshow.
“There’s a perception about this competition and the South African sides. We take it as seriously as any other team, and we want to win it.”
The Bulls host Stade Français at Loftus on Saturday, and Louw knows what’s coming.
“French teams always have a big, heavy forward pack, rely a lot on scrums and mauls, so that’s a massive battle for us. And then a lot of flair in the backline.”
On what will decide the contest, he said: “Discipline will be massive.”
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The timing of the Champions Cup’s start, now in October rather than in December after the end-of-year tour, also works in the Bulls’ favour.
“It’s definitely beneficial to have your Springboks playing for your team,” said Louw, who also welcomed the heat factor in Pretoria.
“It’s tough, even just today’s training, it eats you. But I think it’s good for us, and it’s tough for teams coming in to play in the dry heat.”
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The conversation turned personal when Louw was asked about the law change, due to begin in November, that targets the drop-down tackle, as he was injured in a tackle of that kind.
“It does hit me quite personally, but for future player safety I’m very happy they changed it. It’s a great addition to the laws.”
Louw admits the road back was mentally tough and that he’s not yet at his best.
“I don’t think I’m there yet, to be honest, but just to get an opportunity to be in the Springbok set-up again was massive for me,” he said.
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Elrigh: Bulls want to win Champions Cup appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Elrigh Louw has a clear message for the Bulls’ Investec Champions Cup rivals: they blew their chance at home last season and are determined to make amends.
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