Loose forward Nizaam Carr (with ball) said that the Bulls hope to qualify for the Challenge Cup by beating Stade Francais. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO Independent Media
The Bulls are going full tilt for a place in the Challenge Cup when they face Stade Francais at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (3pm kick-off) – although they hope some other results in the Champions Cup will go their way to reach that goal.
They are on a run of three losses in Europe’s elite club rugby competition, and have lost four games on the trot, including one in the United Rugby Championship.
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But there is a sense of optimism in the camp that the highveld will be their ally against the French club, who picked up their first win of the campaign against Northampton Saints last weekend.
Stand-in Bulls captain Nizaam Carr acknowledged their performances haven’t been up to scratch in the last few clashes, but that they are determined to turn things around following last weekend’s 49-10 loss to Castres in France.
“We don’t see this as a dead rubber, but as a stepping stone towards the URC,” the five-Test Springbok loose forward explained yesterday.
“I wouldn’t say we are targeting this match, but if I can put it that way, our mindset is to nail everything and try and get the perfect 80 minutes.
“Yes, there will be some mistakes and challenges, but we want to hit the road running.
“It is not all doom and gloom.”
Carr said the plan is to fight for that Challenge Cup spot because there is still an outside chance to qualify.
They are obviously hoping some of the other results in the group go their way.
Knowing what lies ahead after the final round-robin Champions Cup match, the Bulls are eager to regain some winning momentum.
They will face the Lions and Stormers in Johannesburg and Cape Town in the URC, and going into these derbies with no momentum could put them at a disadvantage.
“The last few weeks have been tough and frustrating, if I can put it that way. And the more the results go the other way, the boys tend to try harder and things might still not go your way,” Carr said.
“Our talks are to keep pushing. It is not the end of the world, because things are still looking good in the URC.
“This is our fortress, and we want to make it a fortress and have some glory days. The mood in the camp is different, and playing at home will be huge.”
Back in action 🐂
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Carr added that they are not looking at the URC games just yet, because all the focus will be on Stade Francais and what they could bring on Saturday afternoon.
But, they realise the road ahead over the next month or so will be a tough one, and they know what is coming.
“This weekend is all that matters.” | Independent Media Sport
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