Bulls eager to prove their worth as they head back to Europe

The Bulls have overcome all manner of pressure and played some fine rugby, becoming a real pain in the neck for their South African rivals, but if there is one performance where fingers could be pointed at them for not pitching, it was in the Rainbow Cup final against Benetton Treviso in June. But fullback David Kriel says the squad has taken those lessons from Italy on board.

They will need to have learnt from the harsh lesson they were dished out that day because, in their first trip overseas since the Super Rugby competition in March 2020, they were humbled 35-8 by Treviso who were considered no-hopers before the game.

Now, on Saturday, they face the might of Leinster at Aviva Stadium in Dublin in their first ever United Rugby Championship match.

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“It’s another opportunity for us to build on what we learnt from the Benetton Treviso game, which was not our best performance,” Kriel said.

“We took it as a stepping stone and an opportunity for growth. It was a challenging experience but good for the squad.

“This time around we want to be more clinical and play like the championship side we are. It’s comforting that this time we are in Europe for a while, we can get used to the conditions and the lifestyle, and it will certainly benefit the squad being together for a whole month.”

Given their pedigree, with five European titles and being one of only four teams to ever defend the European Cup, no-one is ever going to err by considering Leinster the underdogs when they take on a Bulls side that have swept all aside at home but have not yet proved themselves overseas.

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And the 22-year-old Kriel is certainly aware of how imperious Leinster have been in dominating the Pro14 that preceded the URC.

“Growing up I would always watch a quality side like Leinster. Someone like Johnny Sexton is still playing, but previously those great centres Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy played for Leinster too, so I’m a bit nervous about playing against them, but also very excited for the opportunity,” Kriel said.

“The Currie Cup prepared us for lots of high-ball catching and the URC sides love that too, so as outside backs we’ve been working hard to make sure we don’t make mistakes there.

“Otherwise, as a fullback you’re not necessarily in the game for the whole 80 minutes, so I just try to be everywhere looking for work, wherever I can be used.”