Compliments aside, Winter wants Bulls to dominate

When it comes to his first trip back to Newlands since joining the Vodacom Bulls, former DHL Western Province coach Russell Winter decided to lay the compliments on really thick.

So thick it seems that the Province forwards can do no wrong, and if Winter is to be believed, will be the toughest test this Bulls side have in front of them all year.

While it is true that the last time a Blue Bulls side won in Cape Town was in 2010, they will be relishing their chance for the last Currie Cup regular fixture at the famous Newlands stadium against a side they comprehensively beat at Loftus Versfeld a few weeks ago.

Sure, there will be talk of revenge and a good team like WP will be looking to exact a lot of it on Saturday, but the Bulls have a bit of confidence of their own after winning the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked trophy.

This weekend it is a new competition though, and the Carling Currie Cup has an interesting ring to it, with the Bulls knowing all too well a victory at Newlands will underline their claims going forward and extend their league with the log points being carried over.

But none of that mattered for Winter, who was praising his former team-mates to the hilt.

“I love Cape Town, but more importantly I love rugby. There are wonderful people in Cape Town and wonderful memories.

They are a great side and have a great environment. I’m excited to go there and see what we can do there,” Winter said.

“I’ve got so much respect for their players. The front row has won a World Cup, and there is so much potential in their back row as well. They threatening all over the park. They are a really good side and could have easily been at the top of the log as well.

“They have been playing well and are going to be a tough nut to crack. At home they pose a good challenge because when they play at Newlands they are a good side.

“We are going to really have to know what our plan is and how we are going to get over this obstacle, but it will be tough.”

However, while the mutual respect is overflowing ahead of the traditional north-south derby, it is also clear that Winter may have some plans of his own. The careful crafting of the pack that dominated the match last time out is playing out well and under the leadership of Duane Vermeulen has seriously become a force in South African rugby again.

Winter knows well the old rule that a tough pack is essential for the Bulls to do well, but maintains it is not just about brute force. The synergy with which the Bulls pack has played thus far has been really impressive and Winter credits a “sponge culture” in the side for this.

“The players are willing to work really hard. It isn’t just about brute force, it is about getting so much synergy, which is needed to make sure the lineouts etc work well. Everything comes down to how much work and how much effort you are willing to put in.

“The guys have been working really hard, and there is a really good working culture here – the guys want to do well, not only for themselves, but for family, friends, for fans and that is the key – the amount of work they are prepared to put in.

“I’ve been doing this for quite some time, and all the stuff I’ve given them, they’ve really been open to all the stuff I’ve had to offer. It’s been very good for me, and pleasing they have taken it in. It’s early days and we have been very blessed to have done what we have done to now.

“The Currie Cup is starting this weekend, so we need to continue sharpening the blade, or the sword…or the pencil, whatever it is.”

Well, whatever it is, it won’t be niceties and compliments on Saturday night. Both sides will want a win, and that means it will be brutal up front.

And Winter will be smiling.