Bismarck calls on Bulls’ players to ‘make a name’ against Toulouse

Veteran Bulls hooker Bismarck du Plessis knows a huge job awaits his team in the Champions Cup last-16 tie against Toulouse this weekend, but he says there is also an opportunity for a few players to make a name for themselves.

The Bulls go into the match on the back of a string of URC defeats, the latest a 32-23 loss to Ulster in Ireland last weekend — a game in which he was sin-binned.

But the former Bok hooker says the Bulls players should view the Toulouse clash as an opportunity to show what they can do.

‘Make a name’

“This is no time to look back (on past events),” said the 38-year-old. “The focus now is only on Toulouse.

“They are a very, very good side. We’re going up against the most influential player in world rugby (scrumhalf Antoine Dupont), and they have 11 French internationals, too.

“They’re at the top of the Top 14 log by eight or nine points.

“But, these are the games where players can make a name (for themselves), about which stories are told.
“These games can change players’ futures.

“We need a big team performance this weekend, from one to 15, everyone will have to win their own personal battle. We’re going to need the buy-in from everyone … and we’re going to need better tricks, to stop their offload game, to stop their physical runners.

“Toulouse know what it takes to be successful in Europe, and that is why they are such a formidable side.”

‘Shouting and screaming’

Du Plessis, who played for Montpellier between 2015 and 2021 and earned 108 caps and understands the unique French way, gave some insight into why it is so difficult for visiting teams to win in France.

“They have a totally different mindset to how we approach rugby. They have super professional players and very amateur players.

“The supporters are very hostile. When you get to a place like Toulouse you have to walk about 150 metres to the change room along a small path with the (home team’s) supporters shouting and screaming at you. It’s a big gauntlet to overcome to just get to the change room.

“And then after the game, you put on your number ones (smart attire) and are required to go to a two-hour function with the public. You sit down to dinner with all the old supporters of the club. It’s like going to the 19th, 20th and 21st holes after a long day of golf.”

The Bulls’ match against Toulouse is at 4pm on Sunday.

In the other Champions Cup matches involving the South African teams, the Sharks host Munster at 1.30m on Saturday, while the Stormers welcome Harlequins at 4pm, also on Saturday.