Will the real Bulls backline stand up against the Sharks?

Cape Town - Will the real Bulls backline stand up against the Sharks in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship showdown at Loftus?

The Pretoria team’s attacking threats have had only fleeting moments where things have gone right in their recent United Rugby Championship games against the Stormers and Lions (twice), but they have yet to reach the heights that saw them win the Currie Cup on two occasions last year.

In the 30-26 loss to the Stormers, the Bulls were 18-0 down in the first half, and their comeback was sparked by a maul try. Flyhalf Morne Steyn was involved in the two tries after that, and Elrigh Louw barged his way over from close range to set up a 26-18 lead, although the Cape side hit back late to emerge victorious.

Rain affected both their wins over the Lions, with their handling in particular letting them down on attack.

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But for Saturday’s clash, perfect weather conditions are forecasted, with a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius, so there can be no excuses about a wet ball.

Bulls coach Jake White will announce his team later on Friday, and has some big calls to make in his backline. The first revolves around Kurt-Lee Arendse’s role. The former Blitzbok star has run out at fullback in recent matches, having made his name as a left wing in previous seasons.

White was encouraged by Arendse’s improved performance last week, but does he serve the Bulls best at No 11 or 15? Perhaps the former Bok coach’s hand is being forced by the form of David Kriel, who was the fullback mainstay during the Currie Cup. Kriel seems to be making several unforced errors in recent weeks, and has lost his place in the match-23 altogether.

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