Coetzee: Bulls need momentum to beat Leinster
Despite past successes, the Bulls are fully aware that improved discipline is crucial if they hope to defeat Leinster in Saturday’s URC final. Coetzee: Bulls need momentum to beat Leinster, and that momentum starts with keeping all players on the field. The Bulls finished second behind Leinster on the overall table but rank last in the discipline department. They’ve had 16 players shown yellow cards and four sent off with reds during the season, while Leinster have only conceded four yellow cards in 20 games. Even though the Bulls have managed to win matches despite these setbacks overcoming a yellow card in last year’s semi-final and a late red in this season’s round 13 clash with Leinster they know they’re pushing their luck. They also beat the Sharks 25-13 last weekend, despite having three players sin-binned at different times. Still, Marcel Coetzee believes that continuing on this edge is too risky, especially against a team of Leinster’s caliber. “It’s something we’ve talked about as a squad,” Coetzee said, reflecting on how undermanned play just makes games tougher. “Against a quality side like Leinster, you can’t afford to have guys in the bin. Everyone needs to be on the pitch. It’s going to take total commitment to hold them back, and we can’t let teammates down by making avoidable errors.” He emphasized that during key moments, they must stay composed and rely on the hard-working identity they’ve built all season.
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A Familiar Rivalry
The Bulls have twice knocked out Leinster in the semi-finals first in 2022 and again this year. Coetzee admits that a Grand Final showdown against the eight-time champions was always a looming thought. “They’re a championship team, always consistent, always in the playoffs. You have to respect them. They’re a winning machine with strong systems and structures.” He noted that while anything can happen in the playoffs, fate has placed them face-to-face in this final and that makes for an exciting showdown. Having met several times in recent years, both sides know each other well, which should raise the intensity of Saturday’s clash.
A Special Venue for a Special Occasion
This final at Croke Park will mark the second time a South African team has played there, following the Springboks’ 2009 defeat to Ireland. For Coetzee and his teammates, it’s a moment to relish. “From what I’ve heard, Croke Park is a really special place with an incredible atmosphere. This final is something extraordinary, and we’re ready for the challenge. The venue just adds to the thrill.”
