Returning World Cup winners will be big boost for Bulls, says Petersen

Bulls recruit Sergeal Petersen is expecting Springboks trio Canan Moodie, Willie le Roux and Kurt-Lee Arendse to spark a fire in the team when they re-join the group later in the month.

The Bulls have shown they have firepower in their backline so far in the United Rugby Championship, as their attacking play has helped them get two wins from the three matches played so far to sit third on the log.

Even without their three Bok outside backs (and flanker Marco van Staden), the Bulls have looked formidable with the likes of Devon Williams, Sebastian de Klerk, Wandisile Simelane, Stravino Jacobs and Petersen holding the fort.

Bok success

Petersen, who scored a try on debut in the weekend win over Zebre in Parma, is thrilled about the additions of the Rugby World Cup-winning Boks.

“We all have our specific roles within the squad and we know they are world champions,” Petersen said when speaking to the media.

“Canan hasn’t played a lot of rugby at the World Cup, so I’m sure he’ll be ready to go when he gets back this side.

“When they all come back, we have to feed off their success in the international scene. And hopefully, they can add fire to our squad, and we can go from strength to strength,” said Petersen.

Expansive rugby

With the number of X-factor players in their ranks, the Bulls have played expansive rugby in the URC so far, something that excited Petersen.

“It felt good to be out there (at the weekend), especially being in a competitive competition and the team we had on the day, and the type of rugby we played; a very expansive game, something I really like,” he said.

“With the type of players we have here, I think we are playing towards our strengths in the squad. We all know we have exciting runners in Willie, Canan, and Kurt–Lee, all still coming back from the Springboks. We just try to play to our strengths and add to our arsenal where we can,” said the former Stormers winger.

Jake White’s charges will return to action on Friday night when they take on Cardiff at the Cardiff Arms Park for their fourth game of the URC season. Petersen says they are expecting a tough tussle.

“This weekend is going to be a tough one against Cardiff, and we expect that and we have prepared for that. So hopefully, we can do what we do, and stick to our guns come the weekend,” he said.