Coach Johan Ackermann had a sobering message for the side after their opening win over Zebre Parma on Saturday, a big 47-13 win away from home to start their Vodacom United Rugby Championship off on a high.
But with Munster smarting from an opening loss and waiting at a tough Thomond Park venue this weekend in Round two, the Bulls know they need to be a lot better if they are to make it two from two.
While the side were exceptional in their domination and there are several question marks around Zebre Parma’s season ahead if this is their performance in round one, Ackermann would not have been happy about the tries left on the table, the squandered points that could have made this a massive win.
There is a school of thought that when you have such domination, it tends to be natural to lose a bit of focus and get a bit too loose, and Ackermann will want to stop that ahead of a big clash in Limerick.
“The biggest thing we take out is the fact that we got away with the win, because last year Zebre won the first two games at home. We were always nervous. We haven't played a lot of warm-up games,” Ackermann said.
“I think there was only 40 minutes of game time for each player that played tonight. We were a bit nervous that we might not be as good as we want to be. It probably showed in that first few minutes, although we had a good build-up to the time, we made some sloppy errors.
“That's the part we must correct, because Munster will bring a different challenge. If we're not accurate in those entries or exits in the 22, they will punish you.
“There were times we were not accurate in our passing game, that's another fix. At the breakdown they made a fair bit of turnovers, so we need to fix our breakdown before next week. Ultimately, round one with not a lot of reps under the belt, I'm very pleased to get away with the win.”
Ackermann was particularly happy about the lineout work from Rynhardt Ludwig and Ruan Vermaak, who did good work in the tight phases.
“I think our line-outs were good. We won all our line-outs, if I'm correct, apart from that one in the corner that we kicked to the corner and we lost that one. Good calling from Ruan and good throws. In general, the locks played well. I'm very pleased with that performance.”
And on defence Ackermann was just as pleased, having kept Zebre to just one try in the entire match.
“I think that's good. We showed a lot of fight in the first 10-15 minutes where we made a lot of errors and kept them out. I think if we conceded there, it would have given them a lot of hope and energy. That, for me, was positive.
"There was, obviously, for a first game, still mistakes, still work-ons. But again, against a tough opponent, in a tough place to come to after the travel, the guys showed a lot of fight in the defensive department. Next week is a new challenge in Limerick in front of a hostile crowd.”
The only injury concern is a twisted ankle for reserve tighthead Mornay Smith, and while none of the Boks are likely to join them this week, Ackermann knows travelling to Ireland with confidence is a good thing - especially when you win by 34 points and still have a lot to work on.