Springbok flanker Elrigh Louw admitted the Vodacom Bulls loss to Northampton Saints was a “bitter pill” to swallow for the team.
Despite 64 per cent possession and 67 per cent territory, the Bulls conspired to have three tries disallowed, and lost 30-21 in a game they dominated from start to finish.
FULL TIME 🐂@Vodacom | @ChampionsCup | @Investec
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) December 14, 2024
#ForeverBlue | #ComeHome pic.twitter.com/3D36y5Sysv
That has dented their Investec Champions Cup campaign and raised questions ahead of the side’s massive Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby against the Hollywoodbets Sharks this coming weekend on how they execute under pressure.
“It wasn't easy. It was a bitter pill to swallow for us,” Louw admitted.
“I think we had a whole bunch of opportunities in that game that we didn't use. We made a lot of mistakes that we put ourselves under pressure with. But yes, I think we learned a lesson from last week's game and the nice thing about rugby is the fact that you can learn from your mistakes and you can fix them the next night.
“So I don't think we'll watch last week's game and we'll look forward to the game that's ahead of us.”
Louw believes composure is the key to success for the Bulls, saying in essence that his side had “White line fever” whenever they got close to scoring.
“Yes, I think we just need to show a little more composure as a team. I think we built an incredible momentum. I think we were over them and we had a lot of possession. As you said, we couldn't capitalise on that. And for me, we only have one phase left. I feel like we're a little hasty and we want to pull the trigger too early.
“I think we just need to be a little more patient when we have a chance.”
LEARNING FROM FLUFFED CHANCES
Louw came under criticism for not taking points on offer when the Bulls were fluffing chances but believes they will learn from this.
“Yes, look, it's a feeling you get on the pitch. For us as leaders, we have the upper hand and we have the momentum. I mean, two or three three was recognised again and we were two or three metres off the line because it's a knock-on.
"If we had scored, every time we went to the line, it was a different matter that we discussed with each other. I also know a few times people didn't want to go to the post, but that's how people learn. I still don't think it was the wrong decision for us as a group of leaders. I think we just need to execute better when we get the chance.”
Louw said it was a massive task for them in Durban this weekend, but they need to put up a winning performance to bring them some Christmas joy ahead of the break after two straight losses in the Champions’ Cup.
“Like I said, there's a lot of pressure on South African derbies and you're never going to match one team to lose. Obviously, we want to win. We want to bounce back from last weekend, and like I just said, we want to have a good performance for ourselves as a team and as a union.
“I think this is a massive game for us, especially it being a South African derby, and we're coming off a loss last weekend. And it is important mentally, psychologically to get a win before you get off and before we start the new year. So we're taking this game very seriously. I don't think there's a lot of motivation needed in a South African derby.
“So, yeah, we're hoping to get a good performance on the weekend.”
MAKE OR BREAK
Louw and his counterparts now have a six-straight game streak of derbies until March where they will face tough South African opposition, games that could make or break their URC campaign. But Louw didn’t want to think about that now, enlisting the age-old mantra of focusing on the game ahead.
“I think we take it game for game and week for week, but yeah, I think it is important to get good results in local derbies because you're not traveling. It's not like you have a disadvantage. You just travel one or two hours max. We will definitely have an eye on winning those matches.”
Bulls fans will be hoping for more of that composure this weekend and that Louw’s assertion is correct that there are small tweaks that can make the difference. Because if they repeat their mistakes of the Saints game against the Sharks, they could find a lump of coal, instead of five points in their Christmas stockings.
And that wouldn’t be a great way to start the Christmas break at all.