The fact that the Vodacom Bulls have been in playoff mode for weeks now makes the pressure of a Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarterfinal against Munster at Loftus Versfeld this weekend a lot easier to handle, captain Marcell Coetzee believes.
The Vodacom Bulls have lost just one game in their last 10 - the derby against the DHL Stormers - and have put together winning performances to turn their season around after suffering a seven-game losing streak at one stage.
The turnaround has been remarkable and they have got themselves a home quarterfinal now, but there has been no talk yet of repeating last season’s appearance in the URC final, rather a hunger to just take it one game at a time.
Coetzee knows that there is a quiet confidence going into the playoffs, especially given the momentum they have built over the past few weeks, and the fact that they have the experience of players like Handre Pollard and Willie le Roux to lead the team.
“I think that gives you a lot of confidence going into the playoffs. The group has been so consistent over the years together and this time around we have a few new guys who add great value. You think of Handre, and all his experience, and Willie,” Coetzee explained.
“Those are guys that won World Cups. Just that experience and that calmness they bring to the group. Add to that the fact that a lot of players have been in this situation before.
“In saying that, you can't rely on the past, but it's the learnings that you took through the playoffs. When to switch on. When to be accurate. What's the moment needed now for the next, if you do get a negative moment on the weekend. For you, it's just basically driving that mindset this weekend and making sure the boys are in the right space and the right mindset where we want to be accurate when we attack.”
Coetzee said the lessons learned this season when they were under pressure would galvanise the side in the quarterfinal, especially as they have the chance to finish the season strong.
“If you take me through the season, we were under pressure, and it kind of forced us to be in a knockout rugby mindset every week. So I think we got used to that pressure now, knowing what the task is at hand. We kind of found our mojo through those challenges, and I think we just want to take that to the playoff stage now.
“A lot of teams have been battling it out. It's the most unpredictable URC season that I've been a part of throughout my career, especially with this group, and that's where I want to compliment my teammates.
“We just stuck to our system. We backed each other. We believed in each other, and we're going to need that more this weekend, especially with a Munster side that's going to come down here motivated.
“They also have their challenges off the field, but I know that will fuel them as well coming through Loftus, and they want to create hope and purpose for their side as well. So I think we have to match that desperation.”
The Bulls had a scare against Munster earlier this season when they beat them 34-31 after some exceptional Embrose Papier tries. But Munster rallied from 17 points down to make it a lot closer than it should have been.
“That’s all history,” Coetzee smiles. “They'll always stay in the fight until the last minute. Munster in particular, they've got ways to break you down and disrupt your rhythm. We just have to counter that this weekend. We've got a set plan that we want to implement on the day. It's all about finding that rhythm and them not disrupting that.
“They scored good tries in the second half. Maybe the accuracy from our side wasn't that spot on. That's something we have to fix going into this game.”
The Bulls will name their side for the clash on Friday.