Five things the Bulls must get right to beat Griquas

Cape Town - The Blue Bulls last played in the Currie Cup on February2 , when they lost 38-25 to the Free State Cheetahs in Pretoria.

Coach Gert Smal is set to name his team today for tomorrow’s clash against Griquas in Kimberley, and is likely to bolster the side with a few players from the United Rugby Championship squad.

But Griquas won’t be afraid of that, having beaten the Pumas and Western Province this season.

Here are five things the Bulls must get right to have any chance of winning …

1. Don’t allow Zander du Plessis long-range kicks

Having been at Tuks previously, Zander du Plessis will want to prove a point against the Bulls, as he wasn’t able to progress through to their senior ranks – for whatever reason. He possesses a monster boot in the Frans Steyn mould, and can slot penalties from well inside his own half.

That means that the Bulls’ discipline will have to be squeaky clean: no avoidable offside infringements or taking players out in the air. Otherwise Du Plessis, who can operate at flyhalf or centre, will make the visitors pay …

2. Stop the Griquas maul

The Kimberley outfit are renowned for doing the dirty work at the rucks, where they have been able to slow down the possession of much more fancied teams that come to Griqua Park.

But they have added a bit of ingenuity in the rolling maul this season – possibly due to the presence of wily former Cheetahs lineout specialist Barend Pieterse – and were able to score two maul tries in their famous 22-20 win over Province a few weeks ago.

The Bulls may load their pack with a couple of forwards from their United Rugby Championship match-23, and that will be necessary to add to some grunt to their Currie Cup team.

3. Gain scrum dominance

Loosehead prop Lizo