Returning Lion Coetzee banks on experience to get off to good URC start against Bulls

Andries Coetzee has observed and been part of the Lions' different rebuilding stints, but as one of the few remaining players from the Johan Ackermann era, he knows they need to get off to a good start against the Bulls on Saturday.

The sides meet in their United Rugby Championship opener at Ellis Park and the Lions, who are off on their travels from next week onwards, know beating the Bulls is significant for them.

The Lions, despite their excellence against the European sides, where they only lost one game against them at home, were manhandled by their South African counterparts.

Coetzee, who was part of the Lions' mazy runs to Super Rugby playoffs, knows how important winning at home will be.

"It's very important that we get our rebuilding journey off to a good start. We're heading overseas and we have a home game," Coetzee said.

"It’s a big game for us and home games are the matches that we need to win, especially if you want to reach the quarter-finals.

"The first couple of games are going to be very important for us. It may be the first game of the season and the guys may be rusty, but I know the Bulls will run the ball.

"However, at this point of the season as we start now, it's difficult to say what we'll expect from the Bulls."

Coetzee has spent some time away from Lions, where he played for the Kintetsu Liners and Benetton.

Having had a taste of Super Rugby, Japanese rugby, and even a bit of URC last season with Benetton, Coetzee has been in a position to notice changes and also be able to lend an experienced hand.

Coetzee, who has been capped 13 times by the Springboks, will be starting at 15 for the Lions on Saturday.

"The change from playing in New Zealand and Australia has been spectacular and something else,"